Last week’s What’s in Your Purse post was a lot of fun, wasn’t it? I get a kick out of making strange lists, and I take it a lot of other people do too.
I was thinking last night about an article I read a few months ago where people talked about what they’d tell their younger selves, so I made a list of the things I’d tell my 22-year-old self (yikes! that was 10 years ago?!) if given the chance.
9 things I would say to my younger self…
1. Savor eating fried zucchini sticks at three in morning and staying a size 2 because that high metabolism will be GONE FOREVER in four years (sigh…).
2. Be kinder to yourself.
3. In 10 years you’re going to look back and realize that several major life decisions you made were done to please other people. Take more time to think about what you really want and go for it.
4. OMG, wear sunscreen on your neck! Everyday!
5. Resist blowing your paycheck on clothes. Instead, save all that money and blow it on travel and seeing the world.
6. Leave those sorry little makeup sponge applicators alone and get yourself some real brushes, girl. While you’re at it, understand that bleaching your upper lip hair isn’t fooling nobody! Get that ‘stache waxed ASAP!
7. You know that nagging little gut feeling you get when you think about working for a magazine or newspaper? Listen to it. Bite the bullet, screw what everybody else says about employability and just do what you like.
8. Start lifting weights.
9. In four years you’ll meet a boy in a bookstore. You’ll think he’s kind of weird but funny and cute despite his questionable choice of footwear. At first you won’t think much of it, but that little nagging gut feeling will kick in again, so please, please, please listen to it, because knowing him will change your life forever.
What would you say to your younger self if given the chance?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
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Breezy says
Hmm this is a good one Karen, here goes
1.)Take school seriously, you’re going to go back anyway so stop wasting time and do it now!!
2.)Start using some alphy hydroxy lotion to smooth out your face really well and be even better about using sunscreen.
3.)You can eat anything you want to right now because you’re doing so much but things will NOT stay that way for very long.
4.)There are trying times up ahead and you are as strong as you think you are so you can handle it 😉
5.)The best concealer for you so far is from makeup forever, a salmon colored one will work wonders – go get it IMMEDIATELY!
6.)Oh and last one but massively important – that fool John is an idiot who will come back begging for another chance, do not under any circumstances give him the time of day, he’s not worth it and at the end of the day the bad boy thing gets old.
Yeah those are pretty much it. Pretty funny. I think I should give myself a heads up about the guy I should pay attention too also but I’d probably think too much into it and ruin it for myself so I’d just stay away from that haha.
kia says
karen you have the best post ideas! i saw this on the BBN feed. the widget on my page doesn’t tell who the article belongs to, nor can i click from a live feed (darn firewalls!), but i started thinking to myself and totally wanted to post on the topic. now, i’ve found the author! i’ll post mine… =) great list!
Chamayne says
Hum…What would I tell an 18 yr old me
1. A size 10 is NOT fat, not matter what society tells you
2.Develop a really solid skin and hair care regimen and sleep on satin pillow cases. You won’t be sorry
3. Enjoy your sister everyday. When she lives 800 miles away you’ll realize how much you love her
4.YOU alone are responsible for your happiness. People, places and things are only smoke screen substitutes
5.Get a friggin license. You’ll never seriously leave the rotten apple without one
6. Move wherever you want. To hell with the planning and worrying. You’ll have plenty of time for that later
7.Take your writing seriously. Later you’ll have a million excuses as to why you can’t
8.Know your worth at all times
9. Finish school genius. It’ll get harder as you get older!!
Tekoa says
Hmm..ten years ago I was 11 years old. This is what I’d say to myself.
1) Don’t let Mom cut your hair.
2) Your classmates are lying to you. They’re teasing you with such steadfast and malicious glee because of some warped and twisted reason that isn’t your fault.
3) Go to a dermatologist. The acne won’t be solved with rubbing alcohol.
4) I know its hard to believe..but Dad does not know everything!
5) You’re going to win the Pretties Grad and Pretties Dress award at your future grad. Take that prissy girls!
6) Grown ups don’t have a Master Plan that clarifies everything you should do in life once you graduate. *lol*
7) Its not your fault Dad yells at you.
8) What is happening to you and will happen to you is not fair. Its not normal. Things will get better.
9) You will become a MAC addict. Remember the words “Studio Fix.”
Mariana says
Great post! Okay, this would be my advice to my younger self:
1. Stop tanning! Yes, it looks good now, but *that* day will come.
2. No, you don’t need 6 pairs of clunky black boots. They will not always be in style.
3. Don’t go to medical school.
4. Go travel now.
5. Never move for anyone else.
6. Invent something called the Ipod and go forth and prosper.
7. Don’t put things on hold for your career.
8. Save some money!!
and
9. Relax; you can’t stop time.
Mrs. Lynne says
Oooh, 10 years ago I would have been 16 *bites lip*. Here’s a few of mine:
1) You’ll be in this relationship for over 5 years, but he’s not the one even though 5 years will have you think otherwise.
2) When you finally get your first car, LOCK the door or else one morning you’ll find it missing. Boy that was a sad day for me.
3) Think for yourself and do what you do for yourself instead of what would make others happy.
4) Quit rubbing your eyes and don’t ever use Biore Pore Strips, lol.
Mariana says
Oh, good one Mrs. Lynne! I would definitely add not rubbing my eyes to my list.
Sandy says
10 years ago, I would be 9 years old. I would definitely tell myself to take the scholarship to Royal School of Ballet in London.
babyu21 says
1. Go to law school working a 9 – 5 sucks big time
2. Spend more time dating and check guys out in college (the pickins go down hill fast once you graduate)
3. Work hard on your friendships
4. Move out quick!!
5. Don’t rush to finish everything you have plenty of time
6. Travel more spend less on clothes
Thats all I can think of
Holly says
awww Karen I love your number 9!! Makes me think there is hope for me yet lol! I never seem to find the nice ones only the particularly self obsessed ones lately lol!
p.s. just got back from the spice girls’ concert, Emma’s makeup was stunning! When im filthy rich (not if, when!) im so stealing her makeup artist!!
Madeleine says
1.Love your husband more than you love yourself,cherish him.It pays back,and feels great (providing that you had married right guy) :)2.Eat fish as often as you can.It’s excellent for your body(better than any meat anyhow).
3.Vegetables are your friends…keep the friendship alive.
4.Have more sex.It’s good for your heart…and your mind too, lol..
5.Re-new your wedding vowes if you can…it re-freshes the marriage,the love,the spirit and the general outlook.I will,soon.
6.Never give up.Things have a habit of working out.Always.
…and last,but very important…
7.My sister is 10 years younger,and not always we got along – 10 years is a lot! (we had fought until she was about…14-15);I wish I could live that time over and be kinder,more understanding…she lives…10,000km away 🙁
Anyway,what I am trying to say I am greatful that I have her as my sister!
josie says
1. Your hair is not as bad as you think it is. Waves are natural. Stop obsessing!
2. Retiring from the 9-5 at 25 will seem like a great idea and you will never regret it.
3. Enjoy the ‘now’ moments
4. Love and flaunt your body more – you may not have that firmness forever.
5. If I haven’t already said – stop imagining you’re ugly. Ah, young girls!
6. Do not pretend you are less than you are to make someone else feel good. That is just stupid.
7. Avoid friends who sap the life out of you and always complain… Don’t worry, you’re fab enough to make new ones!
8. Don’t, under any circumstances, go out without sunglasses or sunscreen.
9. Those aren’t wrinkles dummy – but they will be when you’re 35 so take care now.
10. Begin weight training yesterday!
Glosslizard says
Hmmm, I’ll bet my younger self wouldn’t listen, but I’d nag her anyway! 🙂
1. Get over what other people think, it’s really not that important!!!
2. Buy stock in Microsoft.
3. Yes, you are with the right guy!
4. Hey, how about taking up Aikido?
Jane says
Hey, this looks so much fun! I’ll probably say the following to my 15-year-old self:
1. Rust colored hair is disgusting. Dye it back to black.
2. Just because you see models with buzz cuts doesn’t mean you will look as good as that.
3. Stop picking those awful blackheads and hie thee off to a dermatologist, stat!
4. When people say lift some weights, they don’t mean pumping 10lb-dumbells. That’s why I have these jock-shoulders now!
5. Drilling holes into your long nails to put earrings there is tacky. Cut off those talons, or better yet, get a french manicure.
6. OMG lotion on your thighs!!! These effing stretchmarks are killing off my shorts possibilities!
7. Stop pretending like you have bad eyesight just so you can have a cute pair of glasses. Glasses suck. Being short-sighted sucks worse.
8. You are smarter than them. But you are also a bigger smart-ass than them. Get off your effing high horse and practice some humility.
9. Hug your mommy more. You are what you are because of how she raised you.
10. Please. Please. Use a moisturizer. PLEASE!!!
Rowena says
This is fun!! I would tell my 15 year old self….
1. Stand up for yourself!
2. Stop eating mash potato and butter because in 10 years time all the weight would have gone to your boobs, and theres not many ways of making them shrink
3. Study harder, not take being smart for granted and just doing “enough” because you can
4. Moisturise could of avoided strech marks
5. Started writing that masterpiece now!
To be honest I was (too) wise at 15, too sensible…. :/
Melissa Street/Epic Make-Up says
Well, I just read all of the comments from your readers and I have to say — amazing! I seem to be a bit older than the responders so……here is what I would tell my much younger self (more than 10 years) and anyone else for that matter (like my two daughters)….
1) Life will go by pretty fast after college — really make the most of your fun now — get some of those wiggles and giggles out now because you are going to feel like you can’t spend money, time or energy on minor things once you get a job and start paying your bills and rent.
2) SUNSCREEN
3) CONDOMS (they should be your BFF)
4) Always keep $40 folded up and stashed in a secret place in your wallet — that way if you need to take a cab home from an awful date — it wont be a problem
5) When you are 40 you will look back on your life and realize that it is o.k. to get older — you will be at a place in your life of peace and prosperity. All those years busting your butt as a make-up artist (or other occupation of passion) was really worth it. You can now choose who, what, where, when and most importantly, how much!
6) WORKOUT (even though your ass hasn’t gone south now — it will)
7) Explore — see, feel, hear, touch, smell and taste all of the other cultures in the world! Live!
8) Do unto others — you might not get a second chance to make a first impression
9) Live your dream!
10) You become who you hang around — pick and choose your friends wisely! Your family will forever be there for you!
Renee says
This is what I would tell my 13 year old self…
1. The girls that pick on you now are only doing it because they know deep down that because you were smart in school meant you would do better in life then them…I wish you could know how many ended up dropping out of high school because of drugs and alcohol. One day the hurt will stop. That day is when you go back to your home town and see all of them have turned to trash. You rock sister!!!
2. Get into sports or do something…quit going home after school and watching tv and eating hot chocolate mix mixed into chocolate pudding…that is why we are a size 16 now and cant lose any of the weight!
3. Maybe if you had gotten into some sports or something you wouldnt have met that f**king boy that broke your heart after a 3 year relationship that changed your whole personality. You are a wild, wacky girl and dont let anybody change that. You dont have to sit there and be quiet!
4. Dont listen to what everyone says…form your own opinions…as it turns out you end up being a trendsetter! If you want to dress like Rizzo one day and Sandy the next, you go right ahead! Spark your imagination.
5. Go to a magical place called MAC…you will forever be hooked!
6. Be nice to your sister…appreciate your mother…they move away and you only see them 4 times a year. You dont even get to spend every Christmas with them.
7. Cherish your friends you have now…you wont talk to them again after graduation.
8. Dont swerve for that cat…you total your car and have to drive daddies truck for a year.
9. Quit telling every one you meet, everything about you…it comes back to bite you in the butt!
10. Dont listen to anything I just said because if you do then you wont be the person you are now, nor will you have met the man of your dreams. ***Well except for the MAC thing…go there now! May the force be with you!***
If I ever had to do it over I would…all that heartache and pain led me to discover myself and find my one true love!!!!
Thanks Karen for having me get this out…thats been boiled up inside for sometime!
I love reading your blog…you are my favorite!
Tammy says
10 years ago I was 14.
1. Do not date a guy named Ray..ever! Period!
2. You will think you’ve had your heart broken a ton of times, it will happen when you’re 21…embrace it..embrace him..he will have taught you most of what you need to know to make your marriage work.
3. It’s ok to be a guy’s girl and a girly girl..just be who you are.
4. Listen to more of grandpa’s stories..he will pass just as you need him the most.
5. You first true love will be your niece, your second your nephew…love them as much and as hard as you can..they will never break your heart.
6. Speak up for yourself.
7. Become a makeup artist.
8. Remember that just because you’ve known someone for a long time, that doesn’t need to qualify them as your best friend.
9. Don’t take yourself so seriously.
10. Write..and keep writing..you have so many stories and if you stop writing you may lose this skill…WRITE!!
Renee says
Oh I have to add a real peice of advice to my younger self…
11. Dont let that boy hold you back from going to college…it it wasnt for him you would have gone for more than a semester…(boys lie) but dont leave Savannah…go to Armstrong…you will meet the best guy in the world!!
Jenny says
This is what I’d tell the 14 year old me.
1. Start working out!! That extra 40 lbs your carrying around won’t disappear on its own.
2. Stop using the sponge in those makeup compacts, it’s dirty and gross. Maybe THAT’S why you’re breaking out so much!!
3. Arguing with your mom over petty things is ridiculous, she will be there for you when you feel nobody is!!
4. Auntie Ann will ask you to move to Las Vegas and attend school there. Seriously go!!! You will get a free scholarship to the university if you graduate with a 3.0!! (sigh)
5. Eddie will ask you to stay in Hawaii and not move away for college.. don’t listen to him =) He’s a moron and so is the girl he cheated on you with.
6. GO TO EVERY CLASS IN COLLEGE. Just because they don’t take attendance doesn’t mean you don’t NEED to go.
7. Have fun in college, but DON’T over-party. Attending EVERY flyer-party/club will burn you out =(
8. Veer faraway from a guy named Justin. If not, you will spend 4 MISERABLE years with him, however, have valuable insight in to what you DON’T want in a relationship.
9. You will meet a guy name Raul. He’s kind, sweet and will be absolutely head over heels in love with you. Be nice to him and show him you care =) Don’t take him for granted!
Megan says
To my 17 year old self:
1. Accept that crazy friends and family members and boyfriends are going to do what they want regardless of you. You cannot make decisions for anyone but yourself. Worrying about everyone around you isn’t healthy…just worry about yourself.
2. I know you’re in college, but find more time to spend with Grandma and Grandpa. You only have a few more years left with them. You will miss Grandma more than you can even imagine.
3. Cherish the next three and a half years. You will not realize how wonderful and fun college and having all your best friends around constantly is until you are a grown up with real responsibilities and some of your best friends you see once every couple years.
4. Don’t take yourself so damn seriously! Lighten up and relax. Remember that everyone makes mistakes and no one is perfect. You’ll get through it.
5. Make decisions for yourself. Not for your parents or your friends…don’t be afraid to take risks if it’s what you really want.
6. Have confidence in yourself and your abilities, but don’t be too cocky.
7. Although how you look is not as important as who you are, what you think and what you believe, it really is true that first impressions are all about presentation. Laziness (i.e. constant pony tails and no makeup…and even the pj’s to class all the time) well it’s just not cute and it makes a bad impression on others. Take the time to take care of yourself…
8. You really are stronger, smarter and prettier than you think. Tell yourself that regularly…you’ll be surprised how proud of yourself you will be someday.
9. Read up on curly hair and learn how to take care of it…and stop using that blowdryer without a diffuser.
Miss Anthrope says
Wow, what an interesting post! I will definitely do a post on my own blog about this (hence me not putting one down here.) Keep up the good work, this blog is really cool! 🙂
Tania says
To my 16 going on 17 self….
(does anyone else feel the urge to sing that “Sound of Music” song or is it just me?)
1) Get bangs and use good products for your hair and not what you can get at the drugstore. There’s a brand called Redken…use it…it’s good.
3) It’s ok to dye your hair even if it’s black just use Nice & Easy soft black.
3) Stop using toner and loads of zit cream you don’t need it despite what you think. Find some tea tree oil and dab it on your breakouts. It’s way gentler.
4) Go ahead and go to the prom with Winston just remember he’s gay. Billy totally has a crush on you that’s why he teases you. You’ll meet a guy named Mike in college, you should kiss him at the frat party with the bonfire.
5) That girl Britney Spears really is a hot mess! Don’t wear those low rider jeans like she does…they look bad on you and you know it. They’re a fad anyways!
6) Discover the healing powers of MAC Cosmetics. Curl your lashes, you really don’t need mascara.
7) Eat breakfast it’s important. Start taking a daily multivitamin right now.
8) Do not invite 300 people to your graduation party they will all come and you will be so tired afterward. Don’t wear the orchid colored dress…it will wash you out.
9)You don’t always have to be the good girl. Your parents are still going to favor your screw up of a brother. Do what you want. Live your life now.
seductiverose says
I wouldn’t quite know yet what I’d tell my younger self especially since I AM still young lol. Some things come to mind but I’d still have to think quite hard about it. Even though I don’t have much to say on this right now, I just HAD to comment on your site. Wonderful work!! So insightful and well-thought out (not to mention that it makes me laugh my butt off when you put captions next to the cat *lmao* and everyone other person). When I read this post, it really touched me. You are great at what you do. Keep it up and I’ll keep reading…
toodz :)!
Bambi says
Haha! I was 6 ten years ago so I’m not sure I’d tell myself to do anything else over again because I was busy just having fun I guess.
Karen says
Hi Breezy,
I am going to add your #1, 4 and 5’s to my list, too. I wish that I took college more seriously (it took me FOREVER to finish, oy.) And discovering concealer was like unlocking the secret of the universe. 🙂
Karen says
Hi Kia,
Awww, damn this firewalls! I can’t wait to read your list 🙂
Karen says
Hi Chamayne,
Amen to #4! That one took me a long time to learn.
Karen says
Tekoa! My mom used to cut my hair, too, BOO! I had really short, uneven bowl cut.
The situation got a billion times worse when my grandma, who was going to beauty school, PERMED THE BOWL CUT. Yep. There’s pictures, too.
Karen says
Hi Mariana,
Love your #6. Oh, I would also invent reality TV!
Karen says
Mrs. Lynne,
OMG, your car! 🙁 That sounds like it was a really bad day.
If it makes you feel any better, I crashed my first car less than one hour after coming into possession of it, ha ha ha!
Karen says
Hi Sandy,
I didn’t know that you dance/danced. Do you still do ballet? I was never good at it…
Mrs. Lynne says
That was more than a sad day for me. I was really depressed. My car was only 2 years old but I had paid for it with my own money and it was my first real taste at financial responsibility. So it definitely stung.
Lol, I can’t believe you crashed within your first hour. I had a friend of mine that crashed his the same night he got it too. That is a definite hyper jinx! But it does make me feel better, lol. Good call.
Karen says
Hi Babyu21,
Oh boy, I’m adding half your list to mine (except for the law school part). Years ago, I toyed with the idea of going to law school, and I even worked in legal departments for many years AND took the stupid LSATS. But I never ended up going. It just wasn’t my path.
And LOL, it took me forever to move out.
The 9-to-5 sucks, I hear ya! What do you do for your day job?
Karen says
Hi Holly,
I can’t lie – I own a Spice Girls CD. I ROCK OUT TO IT AND I’M NOT ASHAMED.
I always liked Emma. She always seemed sweet and very pretty. If you steal her makeup artist I hope you get her/him to hook us up with a backstage passes (omg, maybe I can meet David Beckham! HOT HOT HOTTTIE!), LOL!
Karen says
Hi Madeleine,
What a great list. Definitely good food for thought.
My brother and I are 6 years apart and we didn’t always get along, either. He lives an hour a way and I don’t see him very much. I always think about how I wish I could’ve been a more caring, understanding and patient sister to him. Sigh. Hindsight is always 20/20. I think I’ll call him today and say hi.
Thank you for reminding me to be a better sis. 🙂 Happy Friday!
Karen says
Hi Josie,
I hear ya on your #1. I fought my hair for many years. I calculated once all the time I spent blowdrying and flat ironing it straight and it was an obscene amount of time.
Now that I wear my hair wavy it’s much easier to take care of, and it’s healthy too.
I love your #3 and #2. What do you do now that you don’t do the 9-to-5?
Karen says
Hi Glosslizard,
HA! Nice #2. 🙂 I dunno if my younger self would listen either, because at 22 I thought I knew everything. Oh lawd.
Karen says
Hi Jane,
HA! I went through the same thing where I thought wearing glasses was super cute even though I didnt’ need them. The irony of this now is that now I’m blind without em. Sigh.
BTW, I love your jock shoulders! I have a hard time putting on muscle so I’m totally jealous. 🙂
Karen says
Hi Rowena,
Ahhh, to be 15. That feels like a long time ago. 🙂
I love your #1. I would tell my younger self that, too.
Karen says
Hi Melissa,
I remember having an emergency money stash for dates gone wrong … that time in my life feels like it was ages ago.
I loved your list and really hope we get to have that cup of coffee someday. 🙂
Karen says
Hi Renee,
You are so welcome. I know the feeling that you have – after I wrote my list I felt lighter, like I had let something inside me go.
And thank you so much for saying that you love the blog. It means a lot to me and getting good feedback gives me the inspiration and strength to keep on truckin’! Have a wonderful Friday and a great weekend, girl!
Karen says
Hi Tammy,
Thank you for sharing this list (I really like your #9).
BTW, are you a writer? What kind of writing do you do? Short story, fiction? 🙂
Karen says
Hi Jenny,
You’ve got a lot of great advice for your 14 year old self. I would definitely tell myself #7 if I could go back.
BTW, it sounds like you are from Hawaii. Which island are you from?
Karen says
Hi Megan,
Fantastic list. I totally agree with #7. And #8 is one I’m adding to my list as well.
AND lol, you know how I feel about #9. Rock on with your curly hair, girl.
Karen says
Thanks Miss Anthrope. Can’t wait to read your post!
Karen says
Hi Tania,
Okay, that 16 going on 17 song is one of my favorite songs from “Sound of Music.” I watched that movie so many times when I was growing up, and one of my “Things to do in this lifetime” goals is to see the mansion that the Sound of Music was filmed at. Totally dorky, I know.
Thank you for sharing your list. 🙂 Have a good weekend if I don’t talk to you!
Karen says
Hi Seductiverose,
Thank you, sweetie, for this wonderful comment. I was having a very rough day today and when I read this it really made me happy. And I’m glad somebody out there gets my cat jokes, ha!!!
It really means a lot to me to hear that you like to read the blog. Thanks again and I hope we get to chat sometime soon!
Karen says
Awww, Bambi! You just totally cracked me up, because I just realized that ten years ago I could’ve been your baby sitter! 🙂 I was an awful sitter, by the way. I would’ve let you eat junk food at stay up too late.
holly says
1. DO NOT PICK YOUR ZITS!!!! No matter how stressed you are, scratching at your cheeks is only going to make things worst.
2. Do not ever call yo’ skiny size 0 ass FAT!! because in a few years, your going to wish soo bad you were back to your old size.
3. Be confident no matter what your skin looks like (you have all probably guessed i had quite bad skin).
4. lip balm and hand lotion in the winter please!! you may think its cool to have cracked knuckles that bleed and peeling lips but, err its not.
5. Sun-screen…….
6. Sleep at least 6 hours a day.
7. water, water, and water, lots more water.
8. dont rub your eyes so much/
9. dont got o illegitamte dermatologists, they will just massacre your skim and charge you a fortune and you will go home in tears and a big red, swollen face right before your school’s ecam week!!
10. Forget About HIM and just have fun in lige, three years later and you will see what a whole big waste it was.
holly says
wow, I just read my post….damn, I need spell checker.
Cari says
1) That bad boy that you will want to “save” will end up ruining years of your life. He’s not worth it.
2) Tell everyone who is important to you that they are. You might not always have that opportunity.
3) When your grandparents are ill, spend time with them even though it’s hard, if not, you will feel awful when they pass away.
4)Be real with yourself about how you look, distorted body image either too thin and thinking you are over weight or are overweight, but seeing yourself as thinner is not healthy.
5) Find a work out regime that you love. Then keep with it and build friendships with others who enjoy the same type of exercise. You will keep eachother going and healthy competition never hurt!
6) Learn to love yourself, it is true, you can’t love anyone else until you learn to truly love yourself.
7) Laura Mercier should be your best friend!
8)Don’t spend time in relationship that don’t truly make you happy. You will find you have wasted precious time when you could have been meeting Mr. Right.
9) Learn to accept compliments! Feel good when you get them and don’t over think them! 🙂
10) Be true to yourself. Be that fun, sweet, sexy person you are and don’t EVER let anyone change you!
Melissa Street/Epic Make-Up says
Hey Karen,
Oh we will have a nice long chat one day in a great coffee place! I am sure of it! After reading the list I wrote I thought….there are so many more things I could write, like “soda is not a replacement for water!” How much did I love my diet cokes? Only made me gain weight 🙁
Anyway, I have said it before and I will say it again — you got talent girl — love reading your blog!
Tammy says
Hi Karen,
I used to fill up journals in a week that’s how much I used to write poetry..shortly after college I stopped writing and I got a “real job”..now I think I’ve lost that touch… =(
I’ll keep trying… =)
Love your blog!!
Karen says
Oh Holly1,
I would soooo put #1 on my list too. I had really bad skin for years and it was so hard to resist picking at the pimples. I ended up cutting my nails down to stubs and sitting on my hands in class so I wouldn’t pick. Oh, and I would have to avoid the mirror late at night before I went to bed, which was my prime picking time.
Did you ever find a product to help clear up your skin?
Karen says
Hi Cari,
Thank you for sharing your list. I am borrowing your #2 for my list, if that’s okay 🙂
BTW, which Laura Mercier products are your faves?
Karen says
Hi Melissa,
Thanks, my dear. You just put a big ole smile on my face. 🙂
And I swear Diet Coke and regular Coke for that matter have got to be laced with crack. I rarely drink soda (empty calories) but on the occasions I do drink Coke I start foaming at the mouth…soooo good.
Anyway, have a great weekend and happy Friday! Woo hoo!
Karen says
Hi Tammy,
“Real jobs” … sigh. I feel ya pain. But you gotta keep writing, girl. Even if it’s just one little thing a day and even if nobody will ever see it…at least it’s a piece that belongs to just *you*.
I really admire you for writing poetry. I have a really difficult time with the economy of words and imagery that it requires. Fiction, and dialogue in particular, is really hard for me too. 🙂
Anyway, thank you so much for reading the blog 🙂 I’m glad you like it. Take care and have a great weekend if I don’t talk to ya!
Cari says
Karen,
I absolutely love Laura Mercier’s concealers. It may be on the pricey side to do the entire process to a “flawless face” that they suggest ( a 5-10 product process), but the concealers are fantastic!! The one for under eye is a really moist consistency and doesn’t look cakey or heavy and the one for the rest of your face has great coverage and comes with two shades that you mix together for your own perfect camouflage. They also have great cake eye liners in a few different colors(green, navy, black, and dark purple) that are great for “tight lining” your eyes (the liner goes right under your lashes and gives the look of fuller and more lush lashes almost like fake lashes.) Also, an all time favorite is the black cavier liner…it is a liner that doubles as the perfect eyeshadow for creating the smokey eye. It’s a bit soft and is great for blending/building to the desired shade!! It can be used wet for a more dramatic look as well!
Ok, I have rambled enough! I SWEAR I am not a Laura Mercier sales person incognito!!
Karen says
Cari,
Girrrrrl…do you have the Secret Brightening Powder?!?!?! YOU BETTER SAY YES!!!!
Anna22 says
Hi!i just wanted to say it’s great you take the time to reply to everyone!!I really apreciate it!Keep up.
Cari says
Absolutely!!! It’s fantastic!! A real life saver after a late night out!!
check out their new line, if you haven’t already!!! http://www.lauramercier.com/whatsnew.php?collection_id=45&cm_re=homepage-_-main%20010208-_-whats%20new%20seduction
Suz says
1. Find a sport you like. Any sport. You’ll always dislike the gym.
2. Not everyone you date is “the one”
3. Stop trying to grow your hair long.
4. DO NOT get your hair straightened! I don’t care if the woman says the stuff is “natural”. Buy a straightening iron instead – it will change your life.
5. All those things you think you’re too old to do – DO THEM. You’ll only get older after this and they aren’t as hard as you think.
6. Get a facial – every month.
7. Save your money! Buy what you want, not what your friends have.
8. Call grandma – EVERY DAY! She won’t be around forever and you’ll miss her.
9. Do all the watersports you can now – water ski, scuba, snorkeling – one day you’ll live someplace cold and you won’t be able to do them.
Cassi Jensen says
I’d say to my younger self “you’re quite attractive, so work it and enjoy it! Don’t beat yourself up for non-existent issues, and work on your self esteem, believe in it!”
Miss Gisele B. says
Karen,
There is a lot I would say to my young self.
If I could go back in time, I would let myself:
1. Stop with one University degree, you don’t need more than that
2. You’re not born to work 9-5
3. Jump in with both feet with your business idea, fail fast, then get up again and keep at it
4. Don’t marry him…he’s not the one
5. Don’t let a failed relationship rob you of so many years of sorrow
6. You don’t need more education or degrees to do what you really love and what you’re good at
I don’t have any advice I’d give myself in terms of beauty because I’m obsessed with what I eat and with proper skincare. The same applies to my weight.
For me, it’s all about taking more chances earlier in my life and also surrounding myself with more influential people.
Miss Gisele B.
Karen says
Thanks Anna22. One of my favorite things is “talking” to people through the comments and getting to know everyone that stops by to say hello. Making a connection across cyber space with so many people was one of nicest surprises about blogging … I feel like we are all just sitting down and chatting about makeup and sharing a cup of coffee together 🙂
Karen says
Hi Cari,
Wow, thanks for sending that over. I’m getting more into colors and I love how LM colors are just enough but not over the top. How pretty! Are you going to get any? I really want Shy Violet!
Karen says
Hi Suz,
Thanks for sharing your list. I am going to borrow #5 from you and add it to mine, too. 🙂
Have a good weekend!
Karen says
Hi Cassi,
Great words of wisdom. I would tell my youger self the same thing too…work it more and be less self-conscious!
Karen says
Hi Gisele,
Great advice! I would tell myself to get some good mentors, too and not be so afraid to take more risks.
How many degrees did you get?!?!
Noel says
Wow , such a great list! #9 is speaking to me. I would tell my 20 year old self to stop being so dramatic.
2. Enjoy this minute, right now.
3. Stop obsessing over how fat you are because in ten years you will never see a size 6 again.
4. Drama does not equal passion or mean that he is your soul mate. Sometimes it’s just drama.
5. Spend more one on one time with your dad. When’s he’s gone it will rip out your soul and you will wonder if he knew how much you adored him.
6. You will meet someone someday, he will change your life and you will be a better person for him so hang on.
These are fun, grest, great post.
Topaz says
This is a good questions to think of. I would say to myself in my 20 that
1. Don’t be afraid to say ‘I don’t believe in college, all I want to do is being a makeup artist’
2. Spend more time with my dad
3. Put sunscreen on my neck
4. Workout sooner and learn how to dance
5. Insist to have a chocolate labrador
6. Engage more school activities, and not hang out with boyfriend all the time
7. Start to do my own business (anything I like)
8. Learn French or Japanese
9. Date more
10.Don’t cut my hair too short
Jessica says
Wow
when i was reading these posts, I couldn’t help but get a little teary, all the advice about grandparents IS SO TRUE. You really do have to appreciate the here and now.
Kristi says
Hi Karen,
I just love this list! Would it be OK if I used it on MySpace as a bulletin to see what my friends have to say? I would of course credit you and your FAB website!
Thanks!
Kristi
Karen says
Hi Noel,
I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
I like your #2. I’m adding it to my list.
Happy Monday!
Karen says
Hi Topaz,
Sigh, I had to learn your #10 the hard way. BTW, I like chocolate labs, too. Especially when they are puppies and they have fat paws…
Anyway, thank you for sharing your list! Have a good week.
Karen says
Hi Jessica,
So true. I am a little jealous of all the people with grandfathers, because I never really had one.
Karen says
Hi Kristi!
Yes, feel free to use it on your myspace bulletin. A link back to the website would be great, too (and much appreciated!).
Have a great week! 🙂
Naomi says
What I would say to my 12 yr old self
1. Love your body! You are so beautiful!
2. Do not be afraid to be close to mom. SHE DOES UNDERSTAND despite what you think. Tell her everything you worry about! She will be your best friend and ALWAYS understand!
3. Spend more time with your pet Harmony. She will die when you are 16 and it will be hard. Don’t ignore her. Give her a better life for you to look back on and remember.
4.DO NOT OBSESS ABOUT THAT STUPID BOY named JOSH….and do not ask him out. He will say horrible comments that will ruin your self esteem for the rest of high school and some of college.
5.brush your hair, curl it, and learn how to put on makeup.
6.Jimmy is gay. He doesn’t like you because he’s gay, not because you’re not a good person.
7.forgive your sister. She loves and respects you.
8. don’t be so snappy to Daddy. He’s a good dad, and you’re so mean to him…just because you’re a teenager doesn’t mean you have to act like one.
9. back up that novel you start writing on a disc and also print it out…otherwise you will lose it forever…so sad…three years work.
10. Don’t obsess about every guy. You will meet the right guy in college. Just enjoy your youth!
lilies says
Dear 18 Year Old Self,
1. Your boobs are fine. Stop wasting so much time feeling insecure about them.
2. Learn to forgive people sooner.
3. Date more in college. (Whoever mentioned the slim pickins business is RIGHT.)
4. Right before your 18th birthday you’re going to get a call from someone you care about very much. Let him explain before you hang up.
5. Newsflash: no matter what Mom says, you don’t want to be a nurse. (Can I get an Amen from all the Filipino girls in the house that get this from their mother?)
6. Plan on traveling. A LOT.
7. Platform flipflops are not really cute.
9. You’re not fat and you’re a bit delusional even thinking that you are.
10. Pluck your freakin’ eyebrows girl.
Love,
Your Smarter, Older, Fabulous Self
lilies says
Whoops! Forgot Number 8!
8. You like yoga. Start now rather than later.
Brenda says
Well then since I’m 19 I shall go back lets say to when I was 16-17.
1.Stop being such a freaking slacker it’s going to bite you in the butt, and it will bite HARD.
2.That boy you like who is that oh-so-perfect womanizer, get over it, save yourself the heartbreak, you’ll find someone better in 2 years time.
3.For gods sake learn to save, do you need so much clothes? No. Do you need Dior makeup? No, if anything go to MAC instead.
4.For grad, do your own makeup, buy a pretty dress, don’t ask you aunt to help you…for the love of god don’t ask your aunt.
5.Learn Spanish, save yourself the trouble later.
6.Learn French, save yourself the trouble later.
7.Do some volunteer work, it’ll help.
8.Do well in the English final, it will save you 150 bucks.
9.Figure out what you want to do, save me the trouble of trying to figure out now.
10. Get a job. Stay with it.
Brenda´s last blog post..MAC Dame Edna and Lash & Dash
Tali says
I would tell myself to ‘let go’ more.
Dance more
Enjoy eing irresoponsible and single more…
Enjoy kissing boys more
Take more risks and holidays with friends..
waste less movey on books and amkeup and more on holidays!!
Precia says
A note to myself, age 14.
1. Just because you are in a new school does not mean you become a new person. Be yourself.
2. Don’t listen to the crazy people. When your gut says that something isn’t right, listen!
3. That black eyeliner isn’t attractive.
4. Don’t be scared of Mariah. She is mean and doesn’t deserve your love.
5. When your friend tells you about Ballroom Dance, get yourself into a class right away. You will be 3 times better than I am now and you will love every second of it.
6. I know that you are scared of the instructor, but he is really nice under that cold exterior. Trust him because one day you will be competing in Ballroom Dance with him.
7. Don’t be afraid to ride horses bareback. Start now and you will be a better rider.
8. Your body is beautiful. Those upsetting situations aren’t worth the scars.