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Saturday Surfing, February 5, 2022!

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Caturday, here we come!

Good morning, and happy Caturday! I woke up this morning with Rosie-pose curled up next to my head, like a torbie-style beret. Have you ever had a cat sleep on (or next to) your head? It’s weird and wonderful.

My day off yesterday was glorious, and today I feel the most relaxed and rested I’ve felt in really long time! Most weekends, I wake up with this intense weight of everything I need to get done on those two precious days off, but this morning, my heart and soul felt light.

Note to self: remember how good this feels, and in the future, be more intentional about taking breaks!

This week’s reading


Someone make this for me, please!


In case you’re interested


When you want to feel like you’re in a period piece


Fascinating

I encourage you to carve out time today for rest. It does a body good.

Take care of yourself this weekend, OK?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Warm Golden Lids With Bronzed Liner Breakdown | Prioritizing Rest | Eyeshadow Tips

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Starting a new book today!

Heya! Happy Friday. How’s your day going?

Mine has been pretty good so far. Today I have the day off, my first in ages, and I have a few hours to myself while Connor is in school, and I almost don’t know what do. I’ve been working on the weekends for the past few weeks, and while I usually don’t mind keeping busy, I’ve decided that this is the year I’m going to fully embrace rest, so today I’m going to do my best to just relax.

All I’m allowed to do are things that help refill the well, so to speak, both mentally and physically. Good luck to me, LOL! There’s always something to do around here, and I’m already ticking off all the things I could accomplish with the extra time, like cleaning the bathroom, doing laundry, going grocery shopping, prepping meals for the weekend, getting ahead on writing for work, etc. etc. BUT, NOPE. Not gonna do it. Rest is the priority today.

I’m going to curb the need to be productive and just do fun things for me today. I’m going to watch a period piece (I’m thinking “Remains of the Day” or “The Age of Innocence”), order a Blue Barn salad, start a new book and maybe paint my nails if I’m feeling ambitious. Oh, I’m going to drink decaf Nespressos all day long, hahaha. I may even take a nap, GASP!

Ate my favorite salad in the world, the Tostada salad with grilled shrimp and avocado from Blue Barn Marin


Love me a period piece


Let’s do this

Are you good about being proactive about your periods of rest? I’m so not. I’m trying to get better about it, though.

Anywho, so this note is marginally related to makeup, Kathleen said this in the comments last Friday on the two-toned liner makeup post:

Teach me your ways! I can handle the cool liner situation. But can you walk me through the eyeshadow, please? Is the Honey Lust on the lid and the Woodwinked on the inner corner? And Saddle underneath both as a base? I never wear shadow, so I appreciate your tips – Thanks!

Hey, Kathleen! Thank you for your question. Here’s a breakdown of where I put each shadow on my lid; hope this helps.

Some general tips:

  • Practice, practice, practice. With eyeshadow, I think it’s always a good idea to just keep practicing. Place your shadows on your lids, blend as much as you can (use a light touch), and repeat until you get the hang of it. Eventually you’ll figure out what placement works best for your eye shape.
  • Keep it simple. I would keep it relatively simple. Do one, two shades at the most. Oh, and simplify by skipping the primer if you want (or don’t). I usually opt out and just do shadow, no primer.
  • Smooth it out. That said, if you’re having trouble smoothing out your gradients, try dusting a light layer of powder on top of your lids first. And just keep practicing!

Alright, I’m off to go and do absolutely nothing.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF!

January 2022 Book List

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Hi there, friend! I hope everything on your end is good and that this week has been treating you well.

The other day, in the Monday Poll, Tisha asked the following question in the comments:

Btw, what are you reading? I’ve been dying to get my hands on a good book, sounds like fun!

I read lots of great fiction last month. My favorite out of the bunch was “Klara and the Sun,” by Kazuo Ishiguro. It’s science fiction, but not the kind that involves aliens destroying the earth or superheroes saving the universe from killer snakes from outer space.

It’s a quiet story of a robot companion and her teenage charge, and it contemplates what it means to love and be human. Days after I finished the last page, I kept thinking about the story, and my heart would feel both heavy and hopeful at the same time.

Sigh… I’m not ready for the rise of the machines, man.

Still, I loved it. It’s one of the best books I’ve read in years.

I’ve recently discovered that Reese Witherspoon (yup, the actress) has a book club, kinda like Oprah’s Book Club. Every book that she’s recommended so far, I’ve enjoyed. In January I finished…

“The Giver of Stars,” by Jojo Moyes

I started this a while back but stopped reading when it got scary for the main characters, librarians who travel by horseback into the far reaches of the Kentucky mountains during the Depression. I just couldn’t take it and needed a break. I’m so glad I finished this book, though. It’s about friendship and resilience, and the relationships between the women are beautiful.

“The Last Story of Mina Lee,” by Nancy Jooyoun Kim

This mystery is about a Korean woman who immigrates to Los Angeles in the ’80s and her daughter, and it flips back and forth between the past and the present as the story unfolds. I had to force myself to put the book down before bed! It’s one of those books you could easily read cover to cover.

“The Henna Artist,” by Alka Joshi

Another page turner! It’s set in 1950’s India, and it’s about a woman trying to make it on her own in a world where there aren’t a lot of opportunities. Again, I couldn’t put it down.

That Reese Witherspoon knows how to pick some good books.

jojo moyes giver of stars book

the henna artist book

I also read a couple non-fiction books, too. “Painless Grammar,” by Rebecca Elliott, is written for kids, but it’s a fun refresher on basics of the English Language. I also enjoyed “The Easy Filipino Cookbook,” by Roline Casper, and I can’t wait to try some of her recipes.

painles grammar book

What’ve you been reading lately?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 714

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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. Sweet, salty or spicy?

    Sweet, always.

    2. Super sticky lipgloss: yes or no?

    These days, no.

    3. Someone you plan to see this week?

    My friend Kelly. She’s the mom of Coywolf’s bestie from preschool, and we became buddies two years ago.

    4. Coffee today?

    Yes, yes and yes. I had my first cup when I woke up at 6:00 a.m., and now I’m looking forward to a decaf or a half-calf at lunch.

    5. Jumpsuit or dress?

    Both! But if I had to pick one, I’d go with a dress with pockets.

    6. What’s for lunch today?

    A big bowl of fresh, crunchy veggies (I’m trying to get in my five servings every day), and an Amy’s frozen meal. Have you ever had the Indian Mattar Paneer? SO GOOD. I’m craving it today.

    7. A fun game you like to play?

    Connor has a bingo game for kids called Zingo that I really enjoy, LOL! If you have any children in your life and you need a present, I highly recommend it!

    8. What’s on your lips today?

    Ilia Tinted Balmy Gloss in Tahiti, my favorite for video meetings.

    9. Something good that happened to you in January?

    I started reading again before bed and finished quite a few books. It’s fun, and it makes me feel good!

    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. Sweet, salty or spicy?
    2. Super sticky lipgloss: yes or no?
    3. Someone you plan to see this week?
    4. Coffee today?
    5. Jumpsuit or dress?
    6. What’s for lunch today?
    7. A fun game you like to play?
    8. What’s on your lips today?
    9. Something good that happened to you in January?

    P.P.S. Happy Monday! I hope that this week brings you so many good things. Sending you a big hug! 🤗

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 695

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Bold tiger. Sex symbol. Cat stud. When it came to kitty modeling, Tabs dominated. He pretty much invented the field of feline supermodelry.

I mean that posture, those angles, that uncanny ability to strike a pose anywhere.

Bam!

Look at that.

But we all know that wasn’t all. Tabs was also a business genius. He did his own books, even created his own business plan. I was his personal assistant, but he made all the big decisions.

Rosie

Rosie definitely has the smarts to run the company. She’s been a great CFO of Tabs the Cat Industries, LLC since she took over. She’s actually increased profits every quarter so far. 😊

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Saturday Surfing, Jan. 29, 2022!

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Good morning to you, friend! The ladies of Casa de MBB (myself included) are sending you good vibes this Caturday morning. Rosie-Pose, in particular, is feeling pleased as punch. Her number one girl, Connor Claire, wrote her very first sentence on her own this week, and the historical literary moment involved furry friends of the feline purr-suasian. 😺

Oh, and please note the fuchsia lipstick. I gave Connor a lipstick from the MAC Alladin Collection a while back to play with and wear around the house for fun.

This week’s reading


Super pretty


Yes, please.


In case you want to keep talking about Bruno…


Drop that knowledge.


This week’s retro jam


Retinol tips

There’s a huge blizzard on the East Coast! I hope you aren’t in it. Please stay warm. Have a good weekend. Talk to you soon.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Glowing Taupe-Bronze Lids With MAC Classics | 10-Minute Everyday Makeup

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mac teddy satin taupe
Glowing lids today!

Hi, friend! Whew, it’s been kind of a crazy week here; I have sooooooo many deadlines looming in the near future for work. You know what always makes it easier, though? Consistently taking breaks (I’m a huge fan of the Pomodoro technique), coffee (still obsessed with my Nespresso) and wearing makeup, of course.

Today I did a quick 10-minute look with two MAC eye classics: Teddy liner and Satin Taupe eyeshadow.

I’m wearing Teddy on my lash lines and water lines (both upper and lower), and on my lids as an eyeshadow base. Satin Taupe’s blended on top. Oh, I’m also wearing MAC Glow Play Blush in Cheer Up and Laura Mercier Nu Prefere Lipstick.

I really like this color palette, so note to self, wear this again!

mac teddy satin taupe

mac teddy satin taupe

How are things going on your end? Oh, and are you wearing quickie makeup like I am today, or did you go all out?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

5 Things I’ve Been Loving Lately

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Just a few things I’ve been into as of late

1. The eight-minute increment

OK, this is my new trick for motivating myself when I don’t want to do something — setting a timer for eight minutes, and then focusing on one thing for that short chunk of time. I don’t know what it is about eight minutes, but that’s my sweet spot. Five is too short, 10 is too long, but eight is the perfect, snack-sized chunk of time!

2. The “Encanto” movie soundtrack

“Encanto” is a new Disney movie with music by Songwriter and Actor Lin-Manuel Miranda (you might recognize his name from the musical “Hamilton”). Anyway, it’s Connor’s new favorite Disney flick, and she listens to the soundtrack morning, noon and night. The music is super catchy, and even though I’ve actually never seen the film in its entirety, I already know most of the song lyrics.

I also know that we don’t talk about Bruno, no, no, no. WE DON’T TALK ABOUT BRUNO!

3. Monochromatic outfits

Ya know, I’ve read for years that wearing the same color from head to toe can make petite women appear taller, and yes, that’s one big benefit of wearing a monochromatic outfit. I also like it I because it makes it that much easier to get dressed in the morning! It’s nice to not think about what goes with what, you know?

I’ve been wanting more monochromatic outfits, so I’m thinking about adding some jumpsuits, like this one by Athleta, to my closet (although I’m not super keen on the having to shimmy in and out of one when I need to visit the lavatory).

4. This easy muffin recipe

Super good and yummy! I made a batch last week with chocolate chips and King Arthur gluten-free flour.

5. MAC Teddy Liner

It’s a classic for a reason. Have you ever layered it with MAC Satin Taupe? I did that today, and it was glorious.

What’ve you been loving lately?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

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