Just For Fun

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.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever walked around your neighborhood taking pictures of fall leaves! 🙋‍♀️ Yes? OK. Now keep your hand up if after taking the pictures the first thing you wanted to do when you got home was paint your nails.

🙋‍♀️ LOL!

I can’t be the only one.

I took a walk yesterday morning after I dropped Connor off at school, and it was a chilly, sunny Northern California morning, 46 degrees, so of course I went outside in my down jacket and like 20 million layers. 🤣 These are some pics of leaves from my neighborhood, and the moment I got back to my house, the first thing I thought was that I needed to find a burgundy or a yellowish green nail polish…

I’m thinking I might do a dark wine today like Essie Bordeaux?

If you know of a color that perfectly embodies “fall leaves,” let me know.

• The 15 best gifts for cat-lovin’ ladies!
• Disney fans, now you can get some of your favorite cartoon characters on Dooney & Bourke tote bags.
• Allegedly, this furniture is designed for humans…but we all know that ultimately it’s all for the felines.
• What’s the difference between inexpensive and high-end nail polishes?
• —> Ulta’s Black Friday sales!

Yes please!

Dear Hung Vanngo, please stop by my house and do this to my face.

OK, somebody needs to talk me out of bangs because I’m living for Hailee’s.

I’ve been binge watching The Crown all week long.

Jessie J got some pipes!

I quite enjoyed this!

How not to take things personally

So many cool things

OMG. Let’s make ALL THE COOKIES!

I’m off to go get Connor ready for a socially distanced ballet recital now. She’s been taking a zoom class with a few other little ballerinas for a couple months, and today they’re all going to perform their routine outdoors behind the dance studio, which means glitter, sparkles, and the whole shebang!

Talk to you soon. Have a great weekend.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen