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

Hello, friend! It’s nice to see you this morning.

We made it to another weekend, and you did a great job, by the way. Someone should tell you that.

I just finished my breakfast (buttered toast with guava jelly), and now I’m gonna go get changed for a run.

I haven’t exercised since Monday or Tuesday of this week, and it’s buggin’ the heck out of me. I mean to every day, but then time gets away from me. You know how it is, blah, blah, blah…

After that, who knows? El Hub and I have been talking about planning a trip somewhere, so maybe we’ll do that. Kauai or Maui, maybe Florida or somewhere else warm. We’ll see.

I also want to go look at bird-feeders at the hardware store for Tabs. I could hang one from the awning above the back deck. I love birds, and Tabs does too…although for different reasons, of course.

Please have a wonderful weekend, okay? Do something fun! Seriously, you deserve a break. People need breaks to recharge.

Before you go, take a moment to enter this weekend’s giveaway. You, Sephora, $50? It only takes a quick comment and maybe also a tweet (for a second entry). Full details down below.

Good luck. Talk to you soon.

What folks are saying…

“Hi Karen!!! Wow, that news definitely gets a hoo ray ray and an elephant!!! (I’ve maybe been watching too much Boardwalk Empire.) Thank you so much!!!”
-Shana

“What a lovely surprise it was to see your announcement (after completing one of many exams/papers/projects I have this crazy week)! The eCard will definitely ease expenses for this broke, beauty-obsessed college student. Thank you, Karen and Tabs!!”
-Katie

“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

“Thank you SO much Karen! OMG! Wishes really do come true! I can’t believe I won! You have no idea how much this will help me through the holidays. I’ve been an avid fan of your blog for the past two years. Your witty and creative entries, informative makeup information, and beautiful photos have kept me hooked. I look forward to more of it. Goodness, you’ve
seriously just made my week and it’s only Tuesday night!”
-Zharlynne

“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)

• 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 taken a bubble bath? What’s your favorite fruit? Do you regularly line your eyes? What are you wearing on your nails? Do you have a green thumb? Do you have highlights in your hair? When was the last time you wore a scrunchie? — 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/XiX2pP

• The deadline to enter is Sunday, April 7, 2013 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 winners are @KneesandToews! Congratulations @KneesandToews! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet.

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

Hooray! Hooray! It’s finally spring.

Just about time to put away the winter coats and boots and bust out the cute spring dresses and sandals.

Hmm… Now that I think about it, along with revampinng my wardrobe, now might also be a good time to rethink my skincare regime, to stay on top of the weather (not as cold and drying anymore).

How did your skin fare this winter? If it could use some tender loving care, you’ll definitely want to enter this weekend’s Neutrogena giveaway, which features five skincare products to cleanse, exfoliate, heal and protect.

One (1) Neutrogena Spring Cleaning gift basket valued at $40 filled with the following goodies:

• Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser ($8.99)
• Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser ($6.49)
• Deep Clean Long-Last Shine Control Cleanser Mask ($7.49)
• Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 35 ($9.99)
• Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($6.49)

• 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’s your favorite color (mine changes a lot, but right now it’s purple)? When was the last time you rode the rails? Do you prefer hard or soft pillows? Do you go all out for spring cleaning? Do you play any musical intruments? Which Neutrogena product/s would you stockpile if you found out they were going to discontinued soon? Are you a fast talker, or do you speak slowly? How do you feel about flip-flops to work? — 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 Neutrogena Spring Cleaning Skincare Gift Basket! http://bit.ly/13GC6hN

• The deadline to enter is Sunday, March 31, 2013 (Easter!) at 11:59 p.m. (PST).
• 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 in the United States 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).
• 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

P.S. Happy early Easter!

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

WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winners are @thatonegrl27 and Aelyn! Congratulations, gals! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet.

Two ways to win Better Than False Lashes from Too Faced Cosmetics

Freakin’ Zac Efron and his genetically blessed eyelashes! He doesn’t have to deal with the drama that mere morals endure when we — okay, I — long for a big lash look.

I bet he’s never experienced a false lash band poking at his inner corners or a lash strip unexpectedly popping up during the middle of an interview (um, can you say mortifying?).

Yup, as much as I love the look of false lashes, sometimes I don’t want to bother with the extra baggage that can come with wearing them. And that’s when Too Faced’s Better Than False Lashes comes in handy.

It’s a two-piece, multi-layered system that dramatically bumps up my lash look. Nylon fibers help stretch the length of each lash, while a thickening and lengthening mascara locks everything in place.

The trick seems to be in the application process. I apply one layer slowly and carefully, wait for it to completely dry, and then apply the next layer. If I rush through it at all, the whole false lash effect kinda flies out the window.

It’s a process, but when I follow the directions down pat, I’m rewarded by dramatically long, lifted lashes that I think Zac-y Poo would envy.

Lashes like WHOA!

Every time I wear it, somebody inevitably asks if I’m wearing falsies, and I tell ‘em nope! — it’s Too Faced Better Than False Lashes.

Watch out, Zac!

Curious to see how Better Than False Lashes fares on your fringe? Then you’ll definitely want to get in on today’s giveaway.

Two lucky ladies (or gents) will win:

One (1) Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System valued at $35 which includes:

• One 0.30-ounce tube of Activating Mascara Base & Top Coat
• One 0.02-ounce tube of Flexistretch Nylon Lash Fibers

• 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, when was the last time you wore false lashes? What’s a go-to Too Faced product that you can’t live without? What’s one thing you wish you could improve about about your lashes? Do you ever wear colorful mascara? — 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 Too Faced Cosmetics Better Than False Lashes! http://bit.ly/10Gil5O

• The deadline to enter is Wednesday, March 27, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. (PST).
• 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 internationally and in the United States 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).
• 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 winners are @thatonegrl27 and Aelyn! Congratulations, gals! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet.

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

What a gorgeous spring day! Um…when the heck did this happen!? Did the earth suddenly tilt on its axis yesterday? I figured I would have noticed something like that, like maybe gotten a little seasick or queasy. “Whoa! Did you feel that?? Something just moved… It felt like the whole world just tilted and WOW! Would ya look at all the flowers and pretty green hills, and the birds are singing, and it’s so much warmer and sunnier now!”

Geez, I hope it’s also nice where you are, but if it’s not, the calendar says it will be soon.

This is hiking weather here today, and I think I’m gonna do that. Maybe pack a small picnic and find a nice field somewhere to eat lunch.

Hmm… I should probably also take some allergy medicine, just in case.

Hope you’re having a great day so far. Good luck in this weekend’s Sephora gift card giveaway, and I’ll touch base again soon. Details to enter are right down below…

What folks are saying…

“Hi Karen!!! Wow, that news definitely gets a hoo ray ray and an elephant!!! (I’ve maybe been watching too much Boardwalk Empire.) Thank you so much!!!”
-Shana

“What a lovely surprise it was to see your announcement (after completing one of many exams/papers/projects I have this crazy week)! The eCard will definitely ease expenses for this broke, beauty-obsessed college student. Thank you, Karen and Tabs!!”
-Katie

“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

“Thank you SO much Karen! OMG! Wishes really do come true! I can’t believe I won! You have no idea how much this will help me through the holidays. I’ve been an avid fan of your blog for the past two years. Your witty and creative entries, informative makeup information, and beautiful photos have kept me hooked. I look forward to more of it. Goodness, you’ve
seriously just made my week and it’s only Tuesday night!”
-Zharlynne

“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)

• 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, if you were a bird, what kind of bird would you be? Are you a good swimmer? Most memorable picnic? When I say the word, “blush,” what’s the first word that springs to mind? How often do you paint your nails? Most underrated affordable makeup brand? How many countries have you visited (layovers DO count)? — 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/YyfaZY

• The deadline to enter is Sunday, March 24, 2013 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 Kprice! Congratulations, Aida! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet.

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

Uh, oh… Looks like someone partied a little too hard this weekend.

I don’t know if you knew this about Tabs, but he’s actually part Irish on his father’s side.

Yup, he totally gets into St. Patrick’s Day every year. Green gravy, Feline Greenies, the whole nine yards.

We have to celebrate at home now, though, because he got banned from both of Novato’s Irish bars, which, of course, means I have to plan the party.

Okay, ’nuff of that. Happy Saturday and St. Patrick’s Day weekend!

I haven’t seen any rainbows or pots of gold yet this morning, but I did find a Sephora eGift card giveaway…

Good luck! Details to enter are down below.

What folks are saying…

“Hi Karen!!! Wow, that news definitely gets a hoo ray ray and an elephant!!! (I’ve maybe been watching too much Boardwalk Empire.) Thank you so much!!!”
-Shana

“What a lovely surprise it was to see your announcement (after completing one of many exams/papers/projects I have this crazy week)! The eCard will definitely ease expenses for this broke, beauty-obsessed college student. Thank you, Karen and Tabs!!”
-Katie

“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

“Thank you SO much Karen! OMG! Wishes really do come true! I can’t believe I won! You have no idea how much this will help me through the holidays. I’ve been an avid fan of your blog for the past two years. Your witty and creative entries, informative makeup information, and beautiful photos have kept me hooked. I look forward to more of it. Goodness, you’ve
seriously just made my week and it’s only Tuesday night!”
-Zharlynne

“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)

• 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, are you going to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? What’s your favorite green nail polish? Do you ever wear tennis shoes to work? When was the last time you wore green eye shadow? What are you doing this weekend? When was the last time you took a bubble bath? Have you ever been to Ireland? — 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/ZDUijX

• The deadline to enter is Sunday, March 17, 2013 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 Aida! Congratulations, Aida! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet.