Good morning, my sweet friend. Merry Christmas from Union City, California. I hope to get some food in my belly in a few minutes, but my hope for you, other than that you have food in your belly at the moment, is that you’re feeling loved, spoiled, safe, adored and all of those good things that come with a special holiday like this one. And I hope that you don’t have lipstick on your teeth, because that’s never any fun.
What are you doing? Have you opened presents yet? It’s still early morning here at my parents’ house, and I haven’t even left the bedroom, but I wanted to say hi before I get going. Tabs was kind enough to give me the day off.
I’m looking forward to sharing this next chapter of my life with you because you guys are like the sisters and aunties I never had. You always hold my hand and teach me and show me all the things I had no idea about, like being a mom to an infant who will soon grow into a baby, who will soon grow into a (hopefully) really nice child who never talks back and always says, “Yes, Mom. You’re so right, Mom,” but who am I fooling? I know that’s not gonna happen. 🙂
But just thank you for all of your knowledge, your kindness and your sweetness this year. I appreciate it every day.
Merry Christmas, or, as Tabs would say, “Meowy Christmas.” Love you to the moon and back.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen (and Tabs and Baby Girl)
jessica says
Meowy Christmas!
xoxoxo to you, huggable Tabs, and baby-girl!
Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
Love from NYC!
Karen says
Meowy Christmas, Jessica!
Icequeen81 says
Merry Christmas 🙂
Karen says
Merry Christmas, Icequeen!
Icequeen81 says
Thank you 🙂 hope you had a great day
Elena says
Merry Christmas to you, Tabs, baby girl and el hubs! I hope you guys have a wonderful day!
Karen says
Hi Elena! We’ve had a great holiday so far. Merry Christmas to you too!
Christina says
Merry Christmas from Hayward!!
Karen says
Merry Christmas, Christina!
Ruchita says
Merry Christmas to you and your family! Hope you have a wonderful, relaxing day. The kitties participated in a Secret Santa Claws gift exchange so we’ll be opening their presents soon. Otherwise it will be a lazy day at home. Love the pic of you and Tabs. So festive! 🙂
Karen says
Hi Ruchita! Meowy Christmas to you and your family. What did the kitties get for the gift exchange?
Ruchita says
The kitties were spoiled. They got wand toys, and catnip and treats. And I got some cute cat shaped coasters. My sister-in-law got me a scarf with a black cat print. Was Santa Paws good to Tabs? I bet he was on the good list all year. 🙂
Florence says
Merry christmas to you and your family. Beautiful photo.
Karen says
Merry Christmas, Florence! Tabs did the styling for this post. 😉 Hope you’re having a good holiday so far.
Kristi says
Merry Christmas from Fargo!! 🙂
Heading out to the in-laws farm here shortly for prime rib and presents!!
Have a great day!
Karen says
Merry Christmas, Kristi! 🙂 I’m actually watching the show Fargo at this very moment with my family. Hope you had sooo much fun with your family today!
Ekaterina says
Meowy Christmas!
Send you kisses and best wishes from Russia!
Karen says
Thank you, Ekaterina! Merry Christmas!
Birgitta says
A Very Merry Christmas to you and your Loved Ones too! I wish you Love and all things good, but most me all a Healthy(Obedient) Babygirl! xxx
Jax says
Have a fantastic Christmas, it been miserable here in the UK so I hope you are getting better weather!
We have been eating venison bacon, it’s amazing, if you have a chance try some!
Karen says
Merry Christmas, Jax! We had some nice weather in the Bay — clear and cold. Ya know, I’ve never had that dish before. It sounds tasty though!
anusha says
Merry Christmas karen!!..
Such a beautiful wreath and red lippie.. 🙂
we went to church in the morning. .first time with my 5& 1/2 month old daughter. . 🙂 it felt good..
Karen says
Aww, how sweet, Anusha! How did your daughter do during church? Did she nap or was she restless? Did you get her all dress up for the service?
I hope you’re having a wonderful day so far!
anusha says
She was sleepy n cried for 2 min..but i fed her and she slept through the rest of the service. . I loved dressing her up.. frilly pink frock layered over a white onesie and a matching pink rose hair band.. lucky to have a daughter. . 🙂
Sherry says
Merry Christmas from Pennsylvania!! That’s a fabulous picture of you and Tabs!! Hope you have a wonderful holiday!!
Karen says
Thank you, Sherry! Tabs did the styling and coordinated our outfits, lol. Merry Christmas!
Karin says
Merry merry Christmas to you!!!
Karen says
Merry Christmas, Karin! I hope you’re having a wonderful day!
jen says
merry christmas! you are amazing ! xoxo
Bonnie Clyne says
You are so sweet! What a lovely list of hopes you’ve wished upon us all.
xo from Bonnie and Luna (and hubby)
Karen says
Hi Bonnie and Luna (and hubby)!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you all. Did Santa leave anythint special for Luna?
Rachel R. says
Merry Christmas to you, El Hubs, Baby Girl and the fabulous Tabs!
Karen says
Happy holidays, Rachel! I hope that you and your family are enjoying the day and each other. Did the fur baby get a little present too? Tabs got his favorite treats from his grandparents, meow!
Rachel R. says
We’re having a great day. I hope your family is, too. Padfoot got his favorite berry-flavored yogurt chips, dried mango, and some chew blocks. Mr. Maize the corn snake didn’t really need anything, so we bought him a big pack of frozen baby mice. Yummy! 😉 We got plenty of peanuts, sunflower seeds, and bird seed for our wild critters.
We opened our gifts at 6 a.m., because my 20-year-old regresses to a 5-year-old at Christmas. lol I got lots of great beauty and other loot. I hope you and baby girl got some nice gifts.
Karen says
We are! We spent the night at my parents’ house and opened presents at the crack of dawn after breakfast. 🙂 So fun. That’s so cute about your son; I think we all turn into 5-year-olds on Christmas morning, lol!
Baby Girl made out like a bandit. She got some sweet gifts from the family – lots of cute outfits, along with some wonderful practical things like a carseat, a baby carrier, etc.
Oooh, beauty loot! Have you tried anything yet?
Rachel R. says
I’m glad Baby Girl got some good stuff. Even the practical stuff is so cute nowdays!
I haven’t tried any of my loot yet. I don’t even have makeup on. lol I’m actually not sure what I want to try first. It’s a bit overwhelming.
Anastassia says
Merry Christmas!
Karen says
Merry Christmas to you too, Anastassia!
Veronica Roman says
Merry Christmas Karen!!!!! Have a fabulous day.
From your neighbor in Hayward!!!!!
Karen says
Merry Christmas, Veronica! And yay for the East Bay! 🙂 How long have you lived in Hayward? I grew up in Union City and my parents still live there. Hope you’re having a wonderful day!
Veronica Roman says
I’ve been in the East Bay for about 13 years. I came here from Los Angeles but I’ve had family here for a long time!
Tracy Robertson says
Looking good Karen, I have a strong feeling that you are going to be a wonderful, happy Mom!
Karen says
You’re so sweet for saying that, Tracy! I hope that I can be those things for Baby Girl. 🙂 I also hope that you’re having a wonderful day so far!
Babsi says
You Look so Great Karen, i Love this Look, merry Christmas and a happy new year :))) with your Baby ;))) xo babsi
Karen says
Thank you, Babsi! Merry Christmas!
Jennifer says
Merry Christmas dolls! You and Tabs need to wear red more often. That color really suits both of you.
Karen says
Merry Christmas, Jennifer! I’ll tell Tabs that you liked his styling. He was in charge of this photo shoot. lol
Renee says
Merry Christmas from Memphis! I hope your day is filled with laughter and comfort! And maybe a new somethin somethin to make you smile. Give Tabs and El Hub wonderful wishes from the city of blues and bbq and know that I am wishing you all lots of cheer!
Karen says
Merry Christmas, Renee! Thank you for the sweet well wishes. 🙂
Lauren says
Merry Christmas, Karen! What a beautiful post…you made me cry!! You have helped me through MANY rough patches, and I’m so thankful for you. You’ve emptied my wallet, sent me on manhunts for the perfect pallettes, LOFT stores, etc, and I loved EVERY minute of it! I hope you and baby girl eat well and sleep well, and that Santa spoils you in every way…ie many naps!! I adore this pic of you and Tabs. MERRY CHRISTMAS, beautiful, sweet friend!
Karen says
Merry Christmas, Lauren! I’m so thankful for you too. I’ve really enjoyed out chats and getting to know you.
I hope you had a fun day today and that Santa hooked you up with some beauty goodies! Sending you a big hug across the internet. 🙂
LaraJane Townsend says
Merry Christmas from Australia! Thank you for all your witty tips and happy posts, they always brighten my day. Looking forward to posts about Baby Girl, so excited for you.
Efrain says
Merry Christmas Karen, El Hub, Baby Girl and Tabs.
We didn’t have presents but my father gave my sister and me some money (will be used on skincare). We’ve just finished eating the leftovers of the Christmas dinner.
I’m an aunt’s house and we have a family reunion.
I want to be one of the noisy latina aunts of Baby Girl; jokes aside I’m so glad of meeting you virtually you’re really sweet and I’m sure Baby Girl will have your big heart.
Karen says
Merry Christmas, sweet Efra! Of course you’ll be Baby Girl’s favorite noisy Latina auntie. 🙂 Anyway, have fun shopping for skincare (what are ya gonna get?). Oh, I keep meaning to tell you that you inspired me to watch Chef again. Just watched it the other night and it was so good!
Efrain says
I’m planning to invest in some acid toners, balm cleansers and maybe a serum. Have you read Caroline Hirons’ blog? She’s my new guru in terms of skincare.
I may watch it again, have you seen any other good movie or TV show? I need to finish How to get away with murder.
Rebecca Russell says
Merry Christmas! Have a fabulous day!
Karen says
Merry Christmas, Rebecca!
Tatiana says
You’re looking as beautiful as ever. Dear Daughter brought Nibbler kitty with her and spent the night last night. We made baked eggs for breakfast. She made yet another batch of cookies. Dear Husband is settling in to watch the Warriors game. I’m starting in on making dinner. And Nora kitty is snoozing under the Christmas tree.
Wishing a Meowy Christmas to you, Tabs, El Hub and Baby Girl!
Karen says
Meowy Christmas to you, Tatiana! Sounds like you and your family are having a cozy, happy holiday. Right now we’re watching the Warriors too. What are ya making for dinner?
Tatiana says
WAR-ee-ORS!! DH is so happy they won! I made pork tenderloin stuffed with rye bread, prunes, granny smith apples and pecans. We had sides of roasted squash and braised broccolini. We are very untraditional when it comes to Christmas dinnner, so I usually make something fancy that the DH requests.
Iris says
Merry Christmas to you and yours! All the best always.
Karen says
Thank you, Iris! Merry Christmas to you!
Mary says
Merry Christmas dear, enjoy your holidays and be safe.
Karen says
Thank you, Mary! Merry Christmas!
Erin says
Merry Christmas, I hope it’s a good one!
Karen says
Happy holidays!
Georgia says
Merry Christmas, Karen, to you and yours and Tabs too. My Marbles and Josie send Xmas wishes your way too. I hope your day wans fantabulous! <3 Georgia
Karen says
Hi Georgia! Merry Christmas to you too! Did Marbles and Josie get anything from Santa?
Georgia says
Just more love and extra treats and a Xmas Day nap with meowmie
Karen says
Sounds like they had a wonderful holiday! Any day you get to spoil the fur kids is a good day. 🙂
Chas says
Merry Christmas Karen! Looking forward to next year’s Christmas photo with the whole cat & kidboodle!!
Karen says
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Chas. Have an amazing rest of your holiday weekend!
Anne Marie says
Karen,
Merry Christmas to You, Baby Girl, El Hubs and Tabs from New Jersey 🙂 .
Love the picture of you and Tabs at the front door.
Can’t wait for Baby Girl to get here!
xoxo
Anne Marie (and Rose my kitty!)
Karen says
Hi Anne Marie and Rose! Meowy Christmas to the both of you. What did Rose get from Santa?
Anne Marie says
Rose got fuzzy mice toys, a mouse that moves around on the floor on its own (she is already bored of that one) and bouncy balls.
What did Tabs get from Santa?
Chris25 says
Merry Christmas! I can’t believe it will be almost 6 years of reading MBB! <3
Karen says
Merry Christmas, Chris! Thank you for reading MBB all of these years. 🙂 I hope you’re having a great weekend so far.
Cheryene says
Merry Christmas Karen, El Hub, Baby Girl and Tabs from Albuquerque. Hope you’re all having a wonderful day. Many Blessings to you all.
Karen says
Merry Christmas, Cheryene! Hope that you and your family had a cozy and happy holiday. 🙂
Pamela says
Happy Christmas, Karen! Next time you do this holiday it will be “Baby’s 1st”!!!!!!! Much love & good health to you and baby in 2016 (and beyond)! ((((hug))))
Karen says
Merry Christmas, Pamela! I’m looking forward to the holidays next year with Baby Girl. 🙂 Sending you a big hug and lots of happy wishes for the rest of the holiday season and for the new year!
Stephanie says
Merry Christmas to you and Tabs. I’m so glad he gave you the day off and I hope he got you a nice present for all your hard work as a loyal pet assistant this year.
Karen says
Hi, Stephanie! Tabs was so kind enough to give me some time off. (I think he wanted to have some quality time with his per sitter, to be honest, haha!). I hope you’re having a great weekend so far. Meowy Christmas!
LindaLibraLoca says
Merry Christmas, Karen. Whenever I complain that my daughter is stubborn and willful, my husband tells me she is just like her mother…
Karen says
Merry Christmas!
Kiss & Make-up says
Happy holidays, Karen! <3
Karen says
Happy holidays!
Shannon says
I’m belated, but Merry Christmas, Karen! Hope your day was wonderful. Thank you for being who you are and doing what you do, and for sharing your beautiful (inside and out) self with us. Much love to you!
Karen says
Merry Christmas to you too, Shannon! I had a great holiday with my family. Thank *you* for your friendship all these years. I hope you had a wonderful holiday and that you’re having a mellow weekend so far. Did Santa bring you a kitten this year?
Sandy says
Merry Christmas from BC Karen. Hope you’ve had a relaxing Christmas so far and are feeling loved because you are! It is always a pleasure to wake up to find your post and it’s so nice that you’re sharing your pregnancy with us all. I wish you a very restful and peaceful holiday. My mother is visiting me and I love having her here and watching romantic movies and laughing together. She loves those. Take Care.
Chelsea says
Merry belated Christmas Karen and Tabs! Love you and your blog for bringing some sunshine and kittycats to my day.
We went to my parents’ place in northern Michigan, which had no electricity due to wind storms! I also don’t get data signal up there, so it was pretty much camping. I did get to find out that my best friend is expecting though, so very exciting! <3
Laure says
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones, Karen! Hope you had a great one!
Next year, it’s gonna be so different for you! Can’t wait to see all that happens this coming year and to share the joy. ♥
Jen says
Merry (belated) Christmas, Karen! Such a lovely photo of you and Tabs 🙂 Hope you had a spectacular holiday! xo
Diane says
Low key Christmas with hubby and kitties. Lots of baking and A Christmas Carol marathon (who knew there were so many versions?) and some hiking to work off the food.
Candace says
Had to stop by and say Merry Christmas! Even days later lol! Haven’t been able to keep up but I so love seeing your posts. Still so so excited for you, tabs and baby girl! Hubby too lol Hoping the new Year brings you all of your hearts desires! <3 <3
Marina (Makeup4all) says
Merry Christmas, Karen! xx
kerry haywood says
Merry Christmas from Detroit! You look lovely with your pregnant glow and hope you had a wonderful holiday!
kerry haywood says
Ps Once you greet that new baby girl xmas will never be better than it is with a little one!!