1. bkr 500-ml Water Bottle in “Holiday” ($35)
I love, love, LOVE this 500-ml bkr bottle my friend Marisol got me for my birthday. It’s half the size of the full liter-sized bkr bottle I got for myself earlier this year, and for some reason, I guess because it’s much easier to carry around, when I carry it instead of the bigger bottle I end up drinking more water.
Both of them are made of the same solid, sturdy glass and have super cushiony rubberized sleeves to fully protect them (and they’re available in literally dozens of colors). Unlike my bigger one-liter flamingo-colored bkr bottle, “Minty” (that’s what I’ve named her) fits into my purse and the cup holder in my car, so she’s become my to-go bkr, while the bigger bkr mostly stays on my desk.
2. Chanel Les Beiges All-In-One Healthy Glow Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen ($45, available in six shades)
Yargh! — so obsessed.
I’ve been wearing this awesome tinted moisturizer a lot lately instead of full-coverage foundation, like when my family visited last week and also on my girls’ trip to Napa, because I can use it really fast!
It has a semi-matte, natural-looking finish, medium coverage, and it does lots of very lovely pore blurring (#yaaaas). The shade I use is called 40, by the way, but it’s also available in five other shades, all with a very light floral fragrance.
3. Trader Joe’s Cocoa Almond Spread ($3.99 for a 13-ounce jar)
Nutella is still my number one hazelnut spread because I think it’s smoother and more hazel-nutty, but to its credit, TJ’s “faux Nutella” is also pretty damn tasty!
It’s their Cocoa Almond Spread (but it also has hazelnut in it), and it’s been totally hitting the spot. I grabbed a bottle at TJ’s last Saturday because I didn’t want to drive all the way across town to Target just to get a jar of Nutella…because sometimes a girl just really, really, REALLY needs to have some Nutella (or something like it) on toast.
I may or may not have already finished half the jar…
4. Honolua Surf Co Kaalu Fleece in Pink Lemonade ($49.50)
My parents got me this as a gift on their recent trip to Oahu, and I’m full-on obsessed with it! The sleeves are the perfect length, the fleece feels super soft, and I like how it already looks broken in.
I’ve been practically living in this sweatshirt.
Honolua Surf Co is one of my favorite places to shop in Hawaii. They’ve got lots of cute tees and sweatshirts for women and men, and I like that their clothes aren’t carried in every other store on the mainland, so it seems a little more exclusive than Roxy and Quicksilver.
5. MAC Turquatic Body Wash ($35) and Hand and Body Cream ($35)
I think I mentioned in the Monday Poll that I’ve been battling a stomach bug for a few days. Well, it’s also been zapping the crap out of my energy.
Dude! I’ve been freaking tired. I was so tired that I even dozed off in a booth at the Cheesecake Factory in the middle of lunch last weekend!
I think there may have even been a French fry hanging from my mouth when it happened…
Anywho, all of this rambling is just to say that I’ve been so tired by the end of the day that I haven’t even wanted to shower, which is highly unusual for a girl who is normally obnoxiously enthusiastic about personal cleanliness.
The only thing that has been motivating me to actually clean my stinky self has been a combo of MAC Turquatic Body Wash and Turquatic Hand and Body Cream.
Oh, my gosh! They smell SO GOOD — just like the regular MAC Turquatic fragrance (official fragrance notes include anemone, lotus, orris and Corsican blue cedar), only not as intense or “in your face,” so you don’t end up smelling like you just doused yourself with the stuff.
How about you, babe? What are five things you’ve been loving lately? 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
tulipthecat says
Hmmmm…
1) my giant hydroflask and small peach bkr. I’ve been trying to drink more water because I have a cold and both of these are great. The hydroflask keeps my water cold and the bkr is great to carry because it’s small.
2) my stick massager – I’ve been running a lot and I walked a half marathon last week and the massager has been great. Not as sore as I thought I would be
3) the Born this Way foundation – I like how it doesn’t really feel like a foundation on your face
4) Tom Tom running watch – has been great for training and for races. It keeps me from draining the battery on my phone and has been helpful for interval training
5) UD mattee lipstick in Tilt – I love the color. Reminds me of summer
Karen says
GURL, tell me about this stick massager. Can I get it on amazon? I want to use it on my lower back.
Tulipthecat says
I have a foam roller but this stick massager is the best: http://www.gaiam.com/product/restore-pressure-point-massager/05-58255.html?cgid=5011000&start=5
Karen says
OMG, want! Putting it on my amazon wish list right now. Thank you!
MonicaP says
OH, dear .. another spread to try from Trader Joe’s .. as if the Speculoos Cookie Butter isn’t from the devil himself 😛
Monica.
Karen says
Hi Monica,
Would you believe I’ve never had that spread? Do I need it in my life?
MonicaP says
Yes, everyone need Speculoos Cookie Butter in his/her life. If you’re feeling extra decedent and/or naughty get Speculoos Cookie & Cocoa Swirl.
M.
Karen says
OH my heavens. It sounds like I need both now!
Kelly B. says
I almost, almost bought that almond spread at Trader Joe’s today! Now I have some serious food regrets 😀
Karen says
You need it in your life ASAP! It’s delicious, especially on toast. 🙂
Jennifer says
How many ounces of water are you drinking a day? My hairdresser, who’s basically in charge of most of my life, has me drinking a minimum of 100 ounces. I know, totally cray cray. And it took me a few weeks to get used to it but I’m really loving it. I have significantly more energy. I think I was seriously dehydrated before.
The stomach bug sounds odd, gotta say. I’ve never fallen asleep at a table when I’ve had a bug.
Five things: my sungold tomatoes have finally started to ripen and they taste like nectar of the gods, Trader Joe’s coconut body butter, OPI Date To Knight, which is a perfect pale pink, fresh flowers from roadside stands and iced Americano’s.
Karen says
I drink a lot of water too! I can totally tell the difference when I’m not getting enough, especially in my skin.
I think I was dehydrated for most of the 90s. LOL!
buckycatt says
K & T – I have #1 on my Save for Later amazon list. 1 more petsitting & it will jump into my cart. Those are the colors I like too. Have a great week!
Karen says
Oh, that’s great buckycatt! Who are you going to petsit?
Let me know when you get your bkr. We can be twinsies. 🙂
Karen says
5 Things I’ve Been Loving:
1. MUFE Ultra HD Foundation – new holy grail foundation (but I can’t wait to try Born This Way)
2. Whole Foods’ Summer Kale Salad
3. MAC blush in Margin (where have you been all my life!)
4. Stila Color Balm lipstick in Meg (perfect nude pink with slight minty sensation when applied)
5. MAC Skinfinish Natural in Medium
Karen says
Hi Karen,
I’ve been testing that foundation! How do you like to apply it?
Oh, and MAC Margin is the jam, and so is the MSF Natural. 🙂
musical says
Here are a few of my recent loves: Blister roasted peanuts from Trader Joe’s (crunchy purrfection, just like Indian peanuts), Arcona Triad Toner pads (soooooo good!), L’Occitane Acacia body oil (smells divine), Rituals body scrubs, and Clinique chubby stick lip color in 05 Chunky Cherry :).
Karen says
I will look for those peanuts next time I’m at TJ’s! I just looked them up and they looked delicious. Although I have no idea how I’m going to be able to portion control that bag (story of my life).
I remember you telling me about those scrubs. They’re on my list once I finish my jar of Yes to Coconuts Scrub (which should be soon).
Tabs says hi by the way! He’s sitting next to me and watching birds. 🙂
musical says
Portion control is hard with such things ;). We recently also tried the spicy mango thingy-Mmmm… so good! Someone has been finishing them off rapidly :P. Also this trail mix with cranberries, roasted almonds, and cashews has saved quite a few moments lately!
How do you like the Yes to Coconuts scrub? I am also thinking of trying the “Tree Hut” scrubs next-I have heard good things about ’em.
Oh, and another thing that i forgot to mention is the Molton Brown shower gel in Pink Pepperpod that i scored on a deal… so good, but hella expensive :(.
Say my meows to Tabster-he he, i love it when they watch cat TV ;). Tell him I have been super impressed with his taste in books :). On that note, I totally recommend B.J.Novak’s “One More Thing”-it’s a collection of short stories and oh-so-enjoyable!
musical says
Also, feel better soon! Sending you hugs and a big mug of hot ginger tea from So-Cal! Xoxo
Lauren says
Karen, friend, take a day and REST!! Do you have allergies? Allergies, especially seasonal allergies, can cause upset stomachs and horrible fatigue! I’m dealing w it too, and could cry or sleep on command!
1) Cargo Magic Brush. Fou d this gem at Kohls!! Amazing for liquids and powders! I remember buying cargo at sephora!
2) Go Bars. I’m always in a hurry and on the run, and was eating too many protein bars. Go bar is organic, filled w veggies, yet has a chocolate chip taste. I feel sooo much better having one on the run than a processed protein bar.
3) lip liners! All of them! Esp Mac. Soar and subculture are my favorites, and have been for years, but I stopped wearing them for awhile.
4) Too Faced Naked Dolly lipstick. Perfect nude/pink/beige and oh so creamy!
5) Spin class and toning class. Working out helps so much with my stress these days.
Karen, feel better and rest my friend! Xoxo
Karen says
Hi Lauren,
I do get allergies! Usually mine start in the fall, but maybe they kicked in early because of the drought, hmm. Thank you for the food for thought!
So, I’m all about bars these days (they’re good for when my stomach gets wonky), and I’m very interested in these Go Bars. Is the chocolate chip one your favorite?
Happy Monday to ya. 🙂
Lauren says
This summer has been horrible for allergies! I’ve been popping Zantac almost daily!
Chocolate chip is by far my fave! They make brownie flavor (too chocolatey), and Smores (haven’t tried).
They are so low in sugar compared to everything else…9 grams per bar! Box says “organic baked oat bar with veggies.”
For some, they may seem on the dry side, but I prefer that over messy melted bars! Found them at target and Meijer. I’m sure whole foods has them.
Maggie says
That sweatshirt looks gorgeous. ME WANT. =D
Five of my favorite things?
1. Dad’s Cuisine. He’s been going all out bc my aunt is visiting. Today we had tonkatsu. Yesterday, Malaysian Lamb. The day before, Burmese Fish Noodle Soup. I saw him preparing sea cucumber today and sea urchin yesterday. I don’t know what’s next.
2. Family. My aunt is visiting and we’re having so much fun with her. Seriously, she should just stay forever.
3. Yoga. I stopped for a while and just now getting back into it. Seriously, WHY did I stop in the first place?! I feel amazing after every session.
4. The beach. I love the sound of waves on the beach. It’s quite close to work and I’m trying to find excuses to head over more often. Maybe I should take up beach running.
5. Tsubaki oil. I’ve been mixing it with my body lotion and it feels awesome.
Carol in a Page says
I’ve been so tempted to purchase the Chanel Les Beiges fluid, but never actually got it because I wasn’t sure whether it would be good or not. Now I know, thank you!
Kiss & Make-up says
WE NEED A SMELL APP ASAP! You’ve made me so curious about those MAC products!
Kim says
We’re going to need to have a sit-down because you just keep adding MORE Chanel things to my must-have list. 🙂 You know how, after I missed out on Daydream and had such success with Malice, that I’m almost obsessive about wanting to try all your Chanel recs. My wallet’s only saving grace is that there is not a counter anywhere around me. HAHA!
5 things I’m loving: Garden tomato sandwiches (up to #1 where it belongs), my new workout playlist, home hair color root touch ups, vacation planning and that it’s the beginning of our family hiking season.
Erin says
I haven’t seen that spread at my TJ’s probably for the best!
5 things for me:
1. La Croix water in berry!
2. Trader Joes Sicilian Wood Fired Pizza, it’s spicy!
3. My Fitness Pal
4. It’s a 10 spray, I wrote a blog post on it a couple weeks back.
5. My box fans… it’s been hot as heck and we have no AC.
kerry price-haywood says
Omg Karen ..after seeing all the breakfast butters you like..have you tried “cookie butter”? I get it at Trader Joes its devilishly delish..Fab on whole grain toast ..yummy give it a try!
Lisa M. says
Hi Karen,
How does the Chanel tinted moisturizer compare to the NARS tinted moisturizer? Also, that sweatshirt is awesome!! Thanks!
Lena says
i like nutella, but have you tried ovomaltine, karen? it’s a chocolate spread with chocolate crunchies (a bit like ovaltine in a chocolate spread). i like this better than nutella since it’s not as sweet.
our avocadoes are rippening and enjoying spaghetti with fresh avocado sauce – delish! also guacamoles.