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

Betcha didn’t know that Tabs spends his downtime training as a ninja for an undisclosed employer. There are so many facets to this cat! I can’t believe I’ve been assisting him since 2007, and I only found this out today.

Yeah, he keeps secrets…

Anywho, good morning and happy Caturday!

Can I get an amen for 1) those rare, sweet Tabs pics (please see above) and 2) last-minute plans that actually work out?

Yesterday afternoon, I was thinking that I haven’t gone out on a Friday night in so long with a girlfriend, so I emailed one of my high school BFFs, Cindy, and asked her if she wanted to catch dinner and a movie. She didn’t have any plans either, so we decided to have a last-minute girls’ night out.

We met at a restaurant in Corte Madera, which is in Southern Marin, called Brick & Bottle. A few of the noms…

Ahi tartare

Fried brie with honey and grapes (whoever invented fried cheese deserves a national holiday, for reals)

My main dish: sole with dungeness crab mashed potatoes

After dinner, we watched Warm Bodies, the teenage zombie love story I’ve been “dying” to see ever since I read the book last year. I don’t want to spoil it for you in case you plan to watch it, but I think it was very true to the original work.

As for today, not much planned. El Hub’s visiting his parents, so Tabs and I are holding down the fort here at home. I should probably do some cleaning, but really, all I want to do is nap and relax. Maybe go to the mall and look at some makeup if I can get out of these stretchy pants. We’ll see how it pans out.

What’s on your agenda? Whatever it is, I hope you manage to clear some time in your schedule to treat yourself to something nice, even if it’s just 10 minutes of “me time” at Starbucks with a cup of coffee.

Before you head on out, though, it’s time for the weekend giveaway.

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, what toys does your pet like to play with? What’s your favorite type of dessert? Have you ever tried doing nail art? What counters do you visit when you go to the beauty department? Have you ever done makeup for any of your friends or family? What lipstick makes you feel like a million bucks? What’s your favorite way to spend a Saturday afternoon? — 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/UdzpjA

• The deadline to enter is Sunday, February 3, 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 Dunya! Congratulations, Dunya! 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 Jacque! Congratulations, Jacque! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet.

Rise and shine? Confused today am I. Talking like Yoda I am. Kind of out of it this morning I feel.

LOL! I made myself laugh…

What a busy week! Today I just want to chill out, unwind, relax, watch some brainless television, catch up on my magazines, and maybe go see that new Guillermo del Toro movie, Mama.

I love del Toro’s style. He’s one of my favorite storytellers, and dang! — that guy knows how to make some scary-@ss monsters (have you seen the trailer for this?).

Pan’s Labyrinth? A classic!

In other news, well, I have no other news. Tabs is off sleeping somewhere… I don’t see him here in the living room, so I guess he’s somewhere upstairs, probably at the spa, also known as the bathroom sink. I’m just chillin’ on the couch with my laptop.

Good luck in this weekend’s Sephora eCard giveaway. Details to enter are down below.

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 dressed in costume for a convention or conference (cosplay)? Who’s your favorite movie director? What was your most daring makeup look this week? What was the last drugstore beauty product you purchased, and how did it work out? What are you up to this weekend? Does anyone else in your family wear more makeup than you do? Favorite comic book or graphic novel? — 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/WZGBtW

• The deadline to enter is Sunday, January 27, 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 Jacque! Congratulations, Jacque! 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 Tatyana G! Congratulations, Tatyana G! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet.

Cold enough for ya? Happy caturday! Tabs woke me up this morning by climbing on my chest in bed and making biscuits on my hair. He does things like this under the guise of love, but really, we all know what he wanted (gravy). For him, the end game is always about gravy.

So far today, I’ve had a croissant, watched this weird children’s show on TV called The Wiggles… Well, not weird for children to watch, but weird if you’re watching it as an adult, and now I’m here giving greetings to you and prepping a pretty sweet Neutrogena gift basket for this weekend’s giveaway.

There’s a bunch of good stuff in it, but my favorite product’s the Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser. I’ve been using it for the past two weeks, and I’m in lurve. It removes just about all of my makeup; I still have to use a separate eye makeup remover for liner along my water line, but besides that, it removes everything, and it does it without drying my skin.

Details to enter just down below. Have a great weekend, and I’ll talk to you soon.

One (1) Neutrogena gift basket valued at $75 and filled with the following goodies:

• Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser ($8.99)
• Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes ($7.49)
• Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum ($20.99)
• Neutrogena Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Moisturizer ($13.99)
• Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Moistureshine Gloss ($7.99)
• Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream ($4.99)
• Neutrogena Clear Face Broad Spectrum SPF 55 ($10.49)

• 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, are you right- or left-handed? What time did you go to sleep last night? What was the name of a stuffed animal or doll you loved as a child? Do you ever wear multi-colored toenail polish? Do you have any weird skills? Do you have any Neutrogena products on your bathroom counter or in your shower now? Are you a fast texter? How do you feel about infinity scarves? — 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 Gift Basket Worth $75! http://bit.ly/VdlJVY

• The deadline to enter is Sunday, January 20, 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 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 winner is Tatyana G! Congratulations, Tatyana G! 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 Candee702! Congratulations, Candee! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet.

Hi there! Nice to see you this morning. Tabs and I (and these three bears) are out here freezing our tails off today. It dropped down into the upper 20s last night, and it’s barely above freezing right now. Late last night I covered our one citrus tree with a big bed sheet to hopefully keep it a little warmer.

Not much new to report. I’m having some toast for breakfast, and then I’m gonna hop on the treadmill for a spell. After that, who knows? The sky’s the limit!

Hope you have a great Saturday (don’t forget to enter this weekend’s giveaway), and I’ll touch base again soon.

What folks are saying…

“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)

“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, who’s your favorite comic book character? What was your favorite fable or fairy tale growing up? Can you do your makeup without looking in a mirror? Have you ever had a job that allowed you to bring your pets to work? What’s your favorite brand of nail polish? How do you feel about nail art? Best store to shop for makeup (but not necessarily buy)? — 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/10pz6Vj

• The deadline to enter is Sunday, January 13, 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 Candee702! Congratulations, Candee! 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 Aurora! Congratulations, Aurora! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet.

SLUMBER PARTY!

Today’s the day! I’ve had these plans for about three months now, and I’ve been counting down the days (and seconds). I’m heading with my friends, Jen and Cindy, who I haven’t seen in months, to the Claremont Hotel over in nearby Berkeley for a girls slumber party and spa day.

I picked the aroma therapy massage, which is supposed to de-stress you…

Perfect! — because Tabs has been working me to the bone.

Even though it was a short week, I feel like I got quite a few things done. I tried some new things in my writing process, like using different tech tools, like my phone, and trying to get out a bit more, out to the counters to hang out with the makeup artists and see some of the new stuff for spring.

I’m really excited about spring, both the makeup and the weather. I’m so over wearing thermals…

I hope your week went well and the year got off to a good start. Let’s see if we can’t make it a little better this weekend with a bangin’ Sephora giveaway for a $50 eGift card.

I love Sephora! I could get lost there for hours (and have on many occasions). Whenever I’m in the store, I always know it’s time to go when El Hub walks in, stands around me and just sort of hovers… Sometimes he breathes very loudly, too. That’s my non-verbal cue to hurry up.

What folks are saying…

“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)

“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, when was your last slumber party? What did you do at slumber parties when you were a kid? Do you shave/wax your legs in winter? Do you sleep on your back, side or tummy? Do you have any discolorations on your skin, and if so, do you have any tips to cover/conceal them? Have you ever had your bangs accidentally cut too short (I have!)? — 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/ZoWNM7

• The deadline to enter is Sunday, January 6, 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 Aurora! Congratulations, Aurora! If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways before you jet.