The first one of 2018!
1. “The future has an ancient heart.”
The first time I read this quote by painter, writer and activist Dr. Carlo Levi, it was in a book called Dear Sugar, by Cheryl Strayed. (She’s the woman who wrote Wild.)
Like most quotes, it means different things to different people. I like to think it means that someday in the future, if I’m lucky, my heart will brim with knowledge and love gleaned from a rich life of experiences and time with friends and family.
2. Babies in raincoats
Can I still call her a baby? I know she’s officially a toddler. She turns 2 in March (!). I can’t even believe that.
3. Cocktail-ing skin care products
The new year has me thinking about skin care, like ACID TONERS. I just ordered the famous Biologique Recherche P50 1970 toner last week, so I’ve been doing this intense multi-step process in the morning and at night, and ya know what?
I’m already over it.
Even when I’m multitasking and doing other things, I get antsy and want to get on with my life as I’m waiting for two separate layers of toners dry, followed by three separate serums that take a couple more minutes each…
My routine at the moment is up to 10 steps, and that’s JUST the morning.
It might be overkill, I know, but I don’t want to give up yet. I have started mixing products to save a little time, though. I blend two of the serums together in my palm, then pat the concoction on my face and neck. Same with my moisturizers. I used to apply a layer of face oil, wait, then do a separate face balm, but now I just mix the oil and balm together and plop them on.
In my perfect skin care scenario, I would only do three or four steps max. Dunno if I’ll ever get there, but I keep trying.
4. Label makers
I’ve been labeling everything with mine lately, and I mean EVERYTHING.
Yeah, it looks totally geeky, but who cares? My life is way less chaotic when I have a label telling me exactly where something goes after I use it.
Thank you, Epson Label Printer!
I tend to put things in the most random places, BTW… Which is probably why I lost my glasses, haha!
5. Celestial Seasonings Honey Vanilla Chamomile Tea
This stuff is so delicious! The honey and vanilla are strong and sweet, but they don’t overpower the chamomile.
I got this to sip at night before bed, but I love it so much that I have a cup during the workday, too.
What have you been loving lately? Your car’s butt warmers (shout-out to Ruchita)? Wearing red lipstick as a stain (KIM!)? Cats who give their assistants Sephora gift cards (Kitty Face)? Inquiring minds want to know. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
TravelingBlush says
I have decided early on in life that I will not miss life or sleep for skincare. My night time step is two on most nights: an acid and a moisturizer. I put the acid on, take some moisturizer in my hand, lie down in bed while the acid absorbs, then slap on the moisturizer before I drowse off.
I am always mistaken for being 5 years younger and for me, that’s good enuf.
Jaclyn Levy says
I like your philosophy!
Rachel Runyan says
That’s a great quote! Connor, already working the jewelry angle. 🙂
Five things I’m loving lately:
1. Stash Lemon Ginger Tea with honey in it. Great for my sore throat and upset tummy. I’ll have to try the vanilla honey tea you meantion here. It sounds really good!
2. Purple makeup. I always love it, but Pantone’s choice of Ultra Violet for COTY is putting me in the zone.
3. The new camera hubby got me for Christmas. Due to being sick, I haven’t played with it much. It’s tons better than our old camera, though, and I can get much better pictures of my makeup.
4. That we’re not as cold as the rest of the nation. I’m good without the snow and below freezing temps, thank you.
5. How the guinea pig is always so happy to see me, that he squeeks, runs around in circles, and hops. It’s too cute, and quite the ego boost. 😉
Charlotte says
Oops, replied to you in a new comment, hehehe.
Charlotte says
Aww, I love when guinea pigs popcorn! They’re underrated as affectionate and intelligent animal friends 🙂
Rachel Runyan says
Charlotte, he’s our first guinea pig. He’s absolutely adorable! He’s very communicative and intelligent. He recognizes several words, and he loves to have brown packing paper to build his own tunnels with. When he sees me for the first time of the day, he’ll take me on a little tour of his cage or playpen, showing me what he has. He’ll put his stuffed animals’ faces in his hay, so they can “eat” with him. My son is autistic, and doesn’t want two right now, but our cavy definitely considers us his herd. 🙂
Sarah Lowes says
I had two guinea pigs when I was a child and I think they’re the most adorable companions. One of mine went everywhere with me riding on my shoulder with her head facing behind me and my hand just on her butt to make her feel secure. Her name was Sugarplum and she was very adventurous! They make all kinds of different noises and are just lovely in every way.
Rachel Runyan says
AWwwww! That’s so sweet! 🙂
LindaLibraLoca says
I can’t do a ten step routine either, so I save time by applying the acid and then brush my teeth and then, three minutes later, continue with spritz and serum. That way I don’t have to keep waiting for things to dry.
Jaclyn Levy says
“The future has an ancient heart” really gave me pause. What a cool quote! My perspective on it is kind of like the book of Ecclesiastes: there is nothing new under the sun. There is nothing tomorrow holds that hasn’t already been done before. So, take heart, the future has always been there before. There is nothing it can’t handle.
I just started a baby skin-care regimen so we’ll see how it goes! I took before pictures for reference so crossing fingers I see some results. I’m starting out with drugstore brands as I’m not quite bought into super expensive creams so we’ll see!
And I love labeling! I actually bought a labeler for my husband then hid it so he wouldn’t find it before his birthday but I hid it too well and I couldn’t find it in time! His birthday was in May and I STILL can’t find where I hid it! Can’t wait until I unearth it so I can label all.the.things.
Happy Caturday!
Renee says
I just watched the movie Wild yesterday! Cheryl Strayed is seriously amazing. Love that quote.
5 things I’m loving too:
1. Long Johns-I just moved to Iowa from Memphis
2. On the same token- Ugg boots. They’re a must have here.
3. Hourglass Lip Oil-I know its over $40 but it is so worth it IMHO
4. The combination of Vanilla Greek Yogurt and Blueberries
5.Maison Replica Jazz Club Fragrance
Rachel says
1. My car starter! It’s been sooo cold here!
2. Maybelline master camo concealer in green. Works great for redness, but I had the applicator!
3. Tazo pumpkin spice chai tea, a nice twist on regular chai!
4. My electric throw. See #1.
5. All of my houseplants, since nothing is green outside!
Bonus: winter holidays! Loving these 4 day workweeks!
Syahidah says
Ok, a few things:
1. Love! Connor Claire’s space-themed rain jacket. We decided to go with a space theme for our nursery and while some people say that it’s pretty boyish, I’d like to think it’s gender-neutral! I’m a huge sci-fi nerd and I love binge-listening to Neil Degrasse Tyson’s podcasts so to me, space is definitely gender-neutral!
2. I am also into cocktailing my skincare products. Preparing to be a mom for the first time and I know I will not have the time like I used to for standing in front of the mirror and doing a billion skincare steps. So cocktails it is!
xo!
Tatiana says
That is the cutest rain jacket! I love kids clothes, they’re always so adorable and colorful. My mine was a Baby Girl, Dear Husband brought her a reversible jacket from Japan or maybe it was the UK? Too long ago to remember. It was corduroy on one side and the other was a print of kitty faces.
10 products? Girl, you got way more patience than I have. I’m a wash, serum, moisture kinda gal. Then again I have rosacea, so all those products would just be potential for unidentifiable irritation.
I have an ancient Brother P-Touch label maker and I love that thing. I label my mascara tubes with the date purchased and then the date opened, because I’m paranoid about bacteria around my eyes. Labels on travel sized perfume decants, label on my closet shelves so I know where to put long sleeved tees v. short sleeved. You name it, I’m gonna try to put a label on it.
kellly says
Five things? I hope I can come up with 3 but let’s see. . .
1. Your review a couple weeks back about Aveda shampoo made me haul mine out to use again and I’m loving that fragrance.
2. How my dogs are behaving so well and listening to me when I want them to come in the house when I leave for work. And how they are so happy to see me when I get back home.
3. I’ve pulled out my sparkly eye shadows again and – surprise – when I go places, people tell me they love my eye makeup.
4. I just got new tires on my car so I’ll be safe if we ever get any more snow.
and, wow, I’ve made it all the way to 5 and now I’m stumped. . .
Karen says
Hi Kellly,
New tires are definitely something to love! My dad bought surprised me with tires when I first got out of college and I swear it was the best gift ever, LOL.
So glad that you’re enjoying your Aveda shampoo. If you can try the Shampure oil someday. It smells so lovely, and it’s also very effective at moisturizing skin *and* hair.
Give those doggies a hug for me!
Ericca says
You may get over the label maker but Conner will always be your baby. Two things I am loving are my skincare homies on ig and a deep conditioner from shea moisture that put some life back into my hair after wearing braids took all the moisture out of my very dry hair.
Karen says
Hi Ericca,
I hope so. I hope she grows up to be a young lady who will give her mom a long, sweet hug out of the blue while we wait in the check out line at Trader Joe’s. 🙂
Shea Moisture products are no joke when it comes to hydration. Have you ever tried their body scrub? It’s super moisturizing.
Suzanne C says
Two years old: where does the time go? (Says the girl with a 22 year old, a 14 year old, and an 11 year old!)
I’m loving the Clinique Pretty Easy liquid liner that I got in my December Sephora Play box. It is indeed pretty easy. It’s not the longest lasting, but I think it’s kind of a ‘gateway’ liquid liner. I’m not nearly as intimidated by it anymore.
Also, I’m loving Living Proof’s Prime Style Extender. I blow dry for about three minutes and my wavy hair looks like I flat-ironed it. And it holds for two days.
Karen says
Hi Suzanne C,
I get all teary eyed thinking about Connor at 22 (umm… I also get teary thinking about her going to preschool. I’m such a sap!). I just hope El Hub and I do her right and prepare her as best we can for the world.
Oh, I’m so happy that you love that Clinique liner because I have it too and it’s THE BEST. There’s something about the brush that’s very user friendly! And I love how dark the color is, too.
Have you ever tried Living Proof’s dry shampoo? It’s been a minute since I’ve used it but it’s still one of my faves.
Vaishali says
I loving reading motivational and ancient history books at the moment. And I am obsessed with label markers too.( Well, Maybe I am the obsessed one 🙂 ) It looks so organized and neat and its a pleasure to do it, right?
Sarah Lowes says
When I read your question at the end of your post about what have you been loving lately, I mis-read it as your CAT’S butt warmers instead of your car…I really did wonder about that for a moment!
I’ve been loving a novel by Ani Tuzman called ‘The Tremble of Love’. It’s about a famous rabbi from the 18th century and how he approached everyone with love and found the divine in every single thing. I’m not Jewish, but it’s great family saga and I can’t put it down!!
The other thing I’m loving is my two dear cats, always my cats…
Erin says
1. TJ’s electrolyte water
2. A cocktail of Fresh Seaberry Oil and Sunday Riley UFO oil. Perfect for winter when you’re also having a little breakout.
3. John Masters Organics Zinc and Sage Shampoo, perfect for flakes without stripping.
4. A cocktail of Dr. Haushka lip care stick and Fresh Lip Treatment; a base of moisture that’s semi matte and a satin colored top coat of more moisture!
5. TJ’s chai tea with collagen, Turkish honey, and cream. Makes a nice healthy, hydrating, and filling dessert without packing a major calorie punch.
Bonus: Supplements like Emergen-c and extra minerals/vitamins… keeping sickness at bay!
Karen says
How funny that you should mention UFO! I just started using it, too.
Chelsea says
I love little ones in raincoats too! My host mom in France had this little granddaughter who had a little flowered raincoat (because it rained a lot in France), she was so sweet. Plus she was a little ginger.
Karen says
She sounds like a little angel. I can imagine her in that coat with a matching pair of rain boots.
The one time I visited France it rained quite a bit. It was a HOOT trying to buy an umbrella in Paris, LOL! This was before smartphones so I couldn’t look up the word umbrella…
Chelsea says
She also had little pink glasses! Such a sweetie. I read books to her.
There’s actually a poem about how much it rains in the city I stayed in! Northwestern France is pretty rainy. But the climate was perfect for me!
Annemarie Harrison says
I …CAN’T…EVEN…WITH CONNOR CLAIRE’S KITTY JEANS….MIKE DROP!
Karen says
I know, right? If they had those pants in an adult size I’d totally rock them. LOL!
Annemarie Harrison says
PS. Karen I’m going to send pictures to your email….I went to the new Blue Box Cafe at Tiffany’s in NY today..it was BEYOND! 15 tables–it is one of the toughest reservations to get in NY right now. I had Breakfast at Tiffany’s! It was AWESOME!
It was like 5 degrees here today but worth braving the extreme temp!
Another reason for you to plan a trip to NY!
xoxo
Anne Marie
Karen says
OK, the cafe looked all sorts of amazing! I would just go to admire the Tiffany china (OMG). You of course looked beautiful as always! What fun. I’ll definitely put that place on my list along with the Golden Girls Cafe.
Annemarie Harrison says
Thank you! By the way…I don’t know how to tell you this but the Golden Girls Cafe recently closed 🙁
Karen says
NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
I’m clutching my heart like Sophia clutches her purse!
I wish I had need Rosie’s soft touch to comfort me.
Annemarie Harrison says
I know…I feel your pain. Rosie sends sweet kitty purrs and biscuits to comfort you.
Karen says
Thanks, Rosie! Tabs only wants to hug me when he wants food, so that was much appreciated.
What did you order at the Tiffany Cafe, by the way? I was dying over the blue and white teapot, by the way. LOL! (I have a secret fine china obsession.)
Kristen says
I bought this tea after reading your post and it’s so good! I recently got into chamomile tea, and this one is sweet and soothing.
Karen says
Hi Kristen,
Oh, I’m so glad you tried it! It’s so delicious. Do you drink it plain or add sweetener? I find that it’s plenty sweet for me on it’s own.
Kristen says
I agree, I think it’s sweet enough on its own. I usually don’t add any sweeteners to my tea, unless I have a sore throat and then I’ll add in some honey.
Karen says
Yeah, neither do I. Sometimes I’ll do it if I’m drinking a black tea, like darjeeling, and I have a lot of milk in it. Sweet black tea with lots of milk is comforting to me. 🙂
I don’t know if it will still be available since it’s a seasonal thing, but if you see Celestial Seasoning’s Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride tea, grab a box. Like the Honey Vanilla Chamomile, it’s sweet but not too sweet. I stock up every Christmas.
Annemarie Harrison says
I HAD to have Breakfast. I had the Truffle Eggs. My friend had the Lobster salad–both were Delish! 4 girls at a table next to us were celebrating a birthday so they had the “celebration cake” which was done in blue fondant and looked like a Tiffany box. Since you have to walk thru the china dept to get to the restaurant, you could get yourself in trouble with your fine china thing! Check it out online…the menu is online as well.
xoxo
Kim says
HAHA! Thanks for the encouraging shout-out. 🙂 I did try a VERY FAINT pink yesterday. It was just one of those Fresh Sugar tinted balms (Rose) but I’m still counting it. I didn’t save time this AM to find another. That’s more of an evening or weekend project, I think. I do love that balm because it reminds me of when the fellas were little and one of them needed a lip balm and I didn’t have anything clear in the car. He just smeared it all over like he would with Vasoline and went into the grocery store looking like the Joker. Ah, memories.
And, I’m very taken aback by your many-step facial care routine. Mine is so much more basic and I complain that it’s too much. I appreciate some perspective! Your skin looks beautiful so it’s clearly worthwhile.
Karen says
I love that story, LOL! Makes me laugh whenever I think about him smiling and walking around the grocery store. 🙂
I’ve been doing the multi-step thing for a few weeks now and I’m completely over it. Mixing multiple items into the palm of my hand first has cut it down several steps, thank goodness! I’ve whittled down the morning routine to 6 steps. I’m gonna get there eventually… I HOPE!
Diana says
Besides reading&enjoying your too cute pics of Connor (oh that raincoat?) &Tabs, five things I’m loving&getting me through this week’s winter blizzard bomb….
1. Kitty Face shout out made our day! Thanks Karen! He’s been walking around very pleased with himself, demanding his assistant take out the triangle shaped kibble pieces and warm his blanket for exactly 10 minutes in the dryer ?
2. Hoodies and wraps/ponchos. Living in CT, a must to cozy up in. I’m late to the Uggs party, just got a pair, tied for #2 I don’t want to take them off even inside lol
3. Bigelow Vanilla Carmel hot tea. Feels like a treat with dash of creamer&cinnamon.
4. Golden Girls reruns are back on, yay. Shady pines ma! Gilmore Girls I think I’ve watched on a 3 day loop stuck in the house lol
5. Quotes that really resonate and make you think/feel…ancient heart is a good one. One I like is “without darkness, light has no value” reminding me there’s always light in tough times to be grateful for.
As for face cocktail mixing, you rock, i cant manage more than 3 things in one shot but I make it count by massaging it in with my pop sonic leaf or i get lazy. Hope everyone’s New Year off to a great start ?
Trude says
OMG that little raincoat! She’ll always be your baby, right? You could always call her bebe, Euro-style, and see if anyone has a problem. 😉
I’m loving 1) maternity leggings that have back pockets and look so much like regular pants I can wear them to work (thank you Amazon!), 2) Trader Joe’s argan oil (speaking of skincare, that’s what I’ve been using as facial oil morning and night during this pregnancy, and I mix it with TJ’s body lotion for the everywhere else – $8.99 a bottle baby!), 3) Amazon prime-ing all the things, 4) tiny baby hangers (so cute!) and 5) protein bars that my husband has been making at home, using a mix of oats, coconut oil, chocolate protein powder, peanut butter and a little water – yum!