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Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 764

June 4th, 2023 by Karen 2 Comments

Dang! It’s really heating up! It was well into the 80s here today. 🌞

Tabs would have called this sunglass weather, and I’m sure he would have busted out his Ray-Bans.

So, he and I went for walks outside almost every day, but it was usually in the afternoons. His favorite time, though, to walk around outside was either dawn or dusk. Basically, he loved the night life, which comes as no surprise I’m sure.

But summertime, for sure, was his favorite time of year.

It’s not quite summer yet, but today was probably the first day that really felt like it. Today felt like summer.

Connor and I spent a couple hours at the pool while Rosie stayed cool at home.

Rosie

But then when Connor and I got back from swimming, Rosie took me for a walk outside. 🙂

Like Tabs and most other cats, she’s solar powered, and the sun resets her point of view.

She feels a lot better about the daily grind when she gets to catch some rays.

I mean, who doesn’t feel better after enjoying a beautiful day like today?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Saturday Surfing, June 3, 2023!

June 3rd, 2023 by Karen 7 Comments

Hiya and happy Caturday!

Yesterday I had a very good brow day, so of course, I had to document it for prosperity’s sake, ha!

I went to lunch with a friend yesterday who loves beauty as much as I do (hi, Marisol!), and we spent a long time talking about how the texture of our hair has changed seemingly overnight in the last few years.

Apparently, it was all fun and games until we hit our 40s. We talked at length about how now our hair needs more TLC than it used to. I feel like I’m always looking for moisturizing products that don’t weigh my hair down. If you know of any, please, help a lady out.

What are your plans for the day? I’m off to drink another cup of coffee, and then we’ve got errands to run.

Before you head out on your adventures, though, here some weekend reading for ya.

This week’s beauty reading

“Tween” skincare is a thing.
How can you tell if your skin care is legit and not counterfeit?
What to look for in a sunscreen if you have eczema.
It’s time to add sunscreen to your hair routine.
I ask myself this question every morning when I pour two tablespoons of collagen powder into my coffee: Do collagen supplements help hair grow?
A manicurist’s tips for making nails dry faster.
The strange story of a cat lockdown!
Romans were seriously into hair removal.

Smokey eyes, always

I’ve been rocking out to this song all week long

I want all the things

5 minutes? Yes please!

I totally teared up during the series finale

Take me back to the ’80s please

Note to self

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

This Week’s “Under Duress” Beauty Haul

June 2nd, 2023 by Karen 14 Comments

I didn’t realize how coordinated all these items were with the pink and beige packaging until just right meow! Weird.

Anywho, I wasn’t planning on buying any beauty things this week, but the other day I went to the dentist for a cleaning, and my dentist found not one, but two (!) cavities.

After the cleaning finished and my major meltdown with full-on blubbering and tears and everything was over (long story short, I’m an anxious dental patient!), I beelined it to Target and Sephora for some retail TLC.

I grabbed a few things I needed but have been putting off:

Deodorant — I got the famous Donna Karan one.
Hair conditioner — This wavy hair conditioner is new to me, but I’ve used some things from the Rhyme & Reason line and liked them.
Makeup remover — I love an oil cleanser as a first step! I saw this Naturium Cleansing Oil at Target, and to be real, I bought it mostly because I thought the bottle was cute. LOL!

While I was at Sephora, I also picked up a birthday gift set by Ouai… Yup, next week I’m turning 43 again for the upmteenth time, ha ha.

I don’t know how this happened, but Connor is convinced that I’m 43, so I’ll take that number. Forever 43, baby!

Happy Friday to you. May your teeth be healthy and cavity free!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Did you do any beauty shopping this week?

Favorite Chanel Dark Nail Polishes for a Short, Chic Mani

May 31st, 2023 by Karen 9 Comments

Chanel Oiseau de nuit, le diable en chanel rouge noir — Chanel Nail Polishes from the left: 141 Oiseau De Nuit, 155 Rouge Noir and 161 Le Diable En Chanel

I wasn’t kidding about short, dark nails doing *the most* for me for summer polish. These three Chanel shades, which are from the newly revamped nail polish line, make me swoon!

141 Oiseau De Nuit

My favorite is the shade I’ve been wearing on my fingers for almost a month now, 141 Oiseau de Nuit, a rich, blackened deep purple with a shiny finish. I think it’s moody and chic with just a touch of edginess, and when it’s worn with minimal summer makeup and a casual bun or ponytail, the whole look is VERY cool.

I really like the wide brush, which is flat and spreads easily across my nails. I can easily paint the polish from base to tip in a few quick strokes.

I think the formula is better than the previous iteration of Chanel nail polish, too. It does a better job of leveling out, so there’s no patchiness, and you can get a full block of solid color in two coats. It seems to withstand chips better overall as well.

I’ve been testing Osieu de Nuit out with various top coats (Essie, OPI, etc.), and the one that was best at preventing chips and holding the color onto my nails was the new Chanel Le Gel Longwear Top Coat.

If you’re going to splurge on any of the Chanel polishes, I’d highly recommend getting the Le Gel Top Coat to go along with it!

155 Rouge Noir

Another moody shade I’ve been loving is 155 Rouge Noir, a deep, dark red which I’ve been wearing on my toes.

This one feels like a shade that could easily go into fall; maybe it’s because I can really see it with a dark ’90s style matte lip and a matte base? Even so, I’ll still wear it in the summer. 🙂

161 Le Diable En Chanel

Last but not least is 161 Le Diable En Chanel, a dark glossy black.

I feel like Robert Smith from The Cure would wear this when he needs to feel pampered, LOL!

Let me know if any of these catch your eye.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

5 Things I’ve Been Loving Lately

May 30th, 2023 by Karen 12 Comments

1. All the dark nail polishes, especially on short nails.

I know that dark polishes are typically a fall thing, but I’m really getting summer vibes from Chanel. Granted, they can all kinda look the same black or dark burgundy if it’s not your thing, but dang, they sure make my heart soar.

2. “Drops of God”

Did you have any idea that cooking manga was a thing? I would’ve been completely oblivious to this fun fact if it wasn’t for the show, “Drops of God,” which I binged watched last week. It’s a drama revolving around wine! Wait, here me out, because two episodes in, I felt like I was totally immersed in the world of international viticulture intrigue – and I was totally hooked.

Basic plot – two strangers battle for a multi-million dollar inheritance by passing a series of seemingly impossible tests related to wine. As the stakes get higher, big family drama is unearthed.

The show is in three languages, French, English and Japanese, and takes place all over the world. I was *swooning* over the scenes in Italy, omg! Watch it

3. ’80s music

There’s a scene in “Drops of God” where people are at a party and the song “(Keep Feeling) Fascination” by The Human League plays on the dance floor. It was all I needed to enter the rabbit hole of the music from my childhood.

4. ’90s style overalls

I just gleefully added a pair of ‘90s-style oversized white denim overalls (!) from Madewell in my cart!

I dunno, dude. Back in my college days, I wore overalls a ton, and when I really think about it, they have a lot going for them, especially if you’re 1) petite and 2) short waisted like yours truly.

They create an unbroken block of color from top to bottom, which in theory can make one appear visually taller.

5. Taking it ‘easy

For once, I’m trying to go with the flow! It’s not my nature to just roll with things (I like a plan), so we’ll see where this takes me. So far, I haven’t been hating it.

What’ve you been loving lately?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 783

May 29th, 2023 by Karen 21 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. Have you bought anything on sale recently?

I bought a few basic cotton tanks and tees for summer from Madewell. Nothing exciting at all, but at least I’ll be able to get dressed easily in the morning when it gets hot next month, LOL!

2. What’s one of your summer traditions?

For the past few years, we’ve gone camping. We don’t do anything fancy or off-the-grid completely; just easy car camping at a family-friendly campground that’s a couple hours away. It’s a lot of fun for us right now… I’m sure in a few years Connor will be rolling her eyes because the last thing she’ll want to do is be out in the woods with her parents!

3. Are you good about wearing sunscreen?

I’m pretty consistent these days. I do need to get better about wearing sun protection on my lips though!

4. A scent which reminds you of summer?

Freshly cut watermelon, yum! And sunscreen at the beach, of course.

5. Hot dogs or hamburgers?

I’ll have a veggie burger, thanks! With cheese, pickles and ketchup, please, and on a super soft brioche bun.

6. Where’s the best place in your house to take a nap?

The couch downstairs can’t be beat, especially if the ceiling fan overhead is going (puts me right to sleep). Make sure to make room for Rosie-Pose, though. She’s a snuggly baby!

7. Does it get hot in your hometown during the summer?

Goodness, yes! You’d think that since we’re relatively close to the SF Bay that it wouldn’t get terribly hot, but temps go into the upper 90s quite often during the thick of summer.

Happy Monday, my friend. It’s Memorial Day here in the United States, so it’s a holiday for most people. I hope that you’re able to find some time to rest and relax today.

Take care of yourself, OK? And if you’re feeling like you need a little extra support today for whatever reason, here’s a big *hug* for ya.

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. Have you bought anything on sale recently?
2. What’s one of your summer traditions?
3. Are you good about wearing sunscreen?
4. A scent which reminds you of summer?
5. Hot dogs or hamburgers?
6. Where’s the best place in your house to take a nap?
7. Does it get hot in your hometown during the summer?

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 763

May 28th, 2023 by Karen 2 Comments

Today I looked back at the first Sundays With Tabs and Rosie, which was just about three years ago (!). I can’t believe it’s already been that long. Here’s a look back at that post.

Tabs got along with almost everyone.

Almost, with the exception of a few people and cats, including his corporate nemesis Harris, who staged a hostile takeover attempt of Tabs the Cat Industries, LLC a few years ago.

It failed, of course. Tabs adeptly defended his ownership of the company by purchasing all of the outstanding shares from the other members of the board of cat directors (didn’t hurt that he also sent them care packages of canned tuna in gravy).

Even though he’d been defeated, Harris never let up. He continued to torment Tabs for years, often attempting to sneak onto company property. Luckily, Tabs was always here to protect it.

When Tabs passed away last year, we thought Harris would give up and set his sights on a new corporate conquest.

But apparently that was wishful thinking…

Rosie to Harris, “Get off our property!”

Rosie and I have been going for walks on Sunday mornings now, like Tabs and I used to.

She doesn’t take corporate security quite as seriously as Tabs did. She’s more into exploring and getting the lay of the land, nibbling on grass shoots and keeping an eye on the local turkeys.

But guess who showed up this morning?

Yup, Harris.

And Rosie wasn’t having any of it. She made it clear right away that Tabs the Cat Industries, LLC was still off limits, and he would have to move along.

I don’t know if he got the message, but I hope so. She made it loud and clear.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Saturday Surfing, May 27, 2023!

May 27th, 2023 by Karen 1 Comment

Hi, friend! Happy Saturday. How are you feeling today? I’m in the mood to get some stuff done.

I’ll be puttering around the house and running errands in town, so I’m going to put on some blush, brow pencil and mascara. Maybe a lil’ gloss because why not?

A little bit of makeup puts that extra pep in my step and helps me fight the urge to couch potato the day away, and if I’m going to be doing household Cinderella chores (I swear, the laundry never ends), I might as well feel cute.

Sending good vibes your way on this beautiful day! What are you looking forward to this weekend?