Karen

What a year, ya know? Hasn’t it been one for the ages? Happy Thanksgiving, my friend. Our holiday, like that of many other families today, will look a little different than usual. It’s just me, El Hub, Coycoy and Rosie Posie today, with the rest of our family joining via Facetime and Zoom throughout the day. We’re definitely blessed to have the technology to make things like this year’s remote holiday possible.

We sent care packages with snacks, cards and artwork to our parents, and we’ve been “hanging out” with them on Facetime while they’ve snacked on the cookies and sugar-free candies we sent. I was chatting with a friend the other day, and she and her mom baked a pie together on Facetime… How cool is that? Even though virtual meetups aren’t the same as being able to hug our loved ones (not even close!), food still brings us together.

One of the things I’ve been trying to teach Connor this year is that nothing is ever lost from being generous, and I think the lesson finally hit home with the big ol’ box of persimmons my mom sent me a few weeks ago. We had too many to eat by ourselves, so Connor and I put them in brown paper bags with notes and delivered them to friends and neighbors. At first Connor was worried that we would give all of them away and wouldn’t have enough for ourselves, but I told her to not fret about it, because we already had more than enough, and the act of giving would make us happier. And you know what? It did. We visited with friends we hadn’t seen in a while (good for the soul), and some of our buddies were kind enough to drop off other goodies for us to enjoy in return (including more persimmons!).

Even if you and I haven’t met in person before, you have a virtual spot at our Thanksgiving table. Of course, our house is a little messy and chaotic…but it’s filled with love. I’ve poured lots of it into MBB over the last almost 14 years (!). It’s been A LOT of cats 🐱 and makeup, and silliness, and I hope it has fed your spirit like it has fed mine.

Happy Thanksgiving, sweet girl. ❤️ Thank you for keeping me company. Love you. Have a wonderful day!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

During the pre-Covid era, my answer to this question was usually a “yes,” but now that half my face is always covered up with a mask, it’s a different story. About half the time, I typically have at least a little eye makeup on — brow pencil, mascara, and if I’m feeling “ambitious,” eyeliner and concealer.

And if I happen to be wearing base that day, then before I leave to run my errands, I’ll wipe off any makeup on my lips, nose and around my mouth because I will probably break out if I forget and leave the house wearing makeup underneath my mask.

The other half of the time, I’m just wearing my skin care products and sunscreen, which reminds me… My favorite sunscreen, Elta MD UV Clear, is 20% off on Dermstore right now (originally $36 but on sale for $28.80). I ended up getting two bottles for myself, along with a bottle of DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, which is 25% off now (a 6.7-oz. bottle is usually $28 but on sale for $21).

How ’bout you? Do you wear makeup to run errands?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Bodysuits

I like to call these tops “adult onesies” because they really do look like oversized baby clothes to me (hahaha!). They’re supposed to help petite ladies look taller and slimmer because they let you to tuck in your shirt (a tried-and-true trick to look taller). I haven’t worn one since 1995, but now I really, really want one.

I’m waiting on this bodysuit by Reformation to go on sale!

Fruit salad

Why is precut fruit so satisfying? I have no idea. I’ve been doing this lately: peeling and cutting fruit, then tossing it into a big Tupperware so the fambam can just grab a cup or a bowl whenever.

It’s been a next-level life upgrade, LOL! I like to do a different fruit mix each time I make one, and sometimes I’ll even throw in some canned fruit, like canned mandarin oranges or peaches, to keep things interesting. One VITAL item of note: the fruit absolutely must be cut into uniform, similarly-sized pieces, because I short-circuit when some pieces are big and some are small! (Am I the only person who’s particular about this?)

This 30 minute low-impact workout by Caroline Girvan

OH, girlfriend, this low-impact workout has absolutely no jumping, but when I’m done I’m dripping in sweat totally spent. It’s 30 minutes of steady state cardio, which means that you transition from one movement to the next without any breaks between them, but the moves incorporate big muscle groups, so you’re constantly working everything. It’s brutal, but in the best possible way.

Janod Wooden Toys

Janod also makes a large range of timeless, cute wooden toys for children, and they seem well constructed. I found out about them when I saw this about wooden beauty products at Barnes & Noble. Isn’t it cute?!

The Daydreamer Kit by Wander Beauty ($49)

Because of #masklife, when I put on makeup to run errands, I do my eyes and pretty much nothing else! This set has practically everything you could want/need for fresh, glowing lids — two long-wearing cream shadows in neutral colors (bronze and champagne), a lengthening and curling mascara, a black liquid liner and a highlighter with low-level shine. All you have to add is your favorite brow pencil and concealer!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of five more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007). I love reading your answers, and it helps me get my week off to a good start. 🌻

1. What’s something you love about fall?

The fallen leaves on a windy day, especially when a breeze hits and they get swept up and dance in the wind!

2. A drugstore hair product you like?

BIG fan of Pantene Overnight Serum, although I haven’t been able to find it in stores lately… Boo!

3. Mashed potatoes or green bean casserole?

Oh, mashed potatoes! 100%! Gimme all the carbs…

4. A Thanksgiving memory that makes you smile?

Years ago, shortly after El Hub and I started dating, we took a trip to New York City over a Thanksgiving. We watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, saw the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and did all the touristy things one’s supposed to do when in NYC. Thanksgiving night, we walked and wandered around until we found a small restaurant serving a traditional T-Day meal.

It seems like so long ago!

5. Are your nails painted, and if they are, what color are you wearing?

Essie Bordeaux on my fingers and toes today.

6. Who was the last person who made breakfast for you?

The bakers at Creekside Bakery in Novato who made me a killer ham and cheese croissant yesterday morning.

7. Apple Bottom Jeans or boots with the fur?

Boots with the fur… My feet are cold!

8. Casual or formal?

Casual.

9. Is pencil lip liner stressful?

Only if I plan on taking pics and if the lip liner is dark. Nude liner on a random weekday just for fun? NOT stressful!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. What’s something you love about fall?
2. A drugstore hair product you like?
3. Mashed potatoes or green bean casserole?
4. A Thanksgiving memory that makes you smile?
5. Are your nails painted, and if they are, what color are you wearing?
6. Who was the last person who made breakfast for you?
7. Apple Bottom Jeans or boots with the fur?
8. Casual or formal?
9. Is pencil lip liner stressful?

P.P.S. Hello there, my friend! I have it on good authority that you’re going to have a good day today. 😊 I just know it.