Just For Fun

What Beauty Services Are You Missing Right Now?

April 8th, 2020 by Karen 31 Comments

k scissors — (Me about to cut El Hub’s hair in the middle of the night)

Are you going through any beauty service withdrawals right now?

Because I am. I ran into my neighbor the other day (not literally; we obeyed the 6-ft rule), and the first thing she said was, “Look. JUST LOOK!” while pointing at the top of her head, where a fresh crop of grays had sprung up since the shelter-in-place order started. She said she really, REALLY misses visiting the salon.

I told her I felt her pain… I’m desperately missing the salon, but not for a hair coloring service (I started growing out my grays last year). I want a haircut, because this thing on my head is out of control! My last cut was almost a year ago when Tabs passed away, and now the layers have grown out, so I feel like I’m wearing a wet golden retriever on my head. 🐕

Man, I should’ve made an appointment back in February.

On the glass-half-full side, I’ve never been happier about growing out my grays! 😁 Seriously, if someone would’ve told me a year ago it would actually come in handy during an upcoming global pandemic crisis, I would NOT have believed them, but ya know…here we are.

What beauty services are you missing right now?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

5 Things I’ve Been Loving Lately

April 7th, 2020 by Karen 22 Comments

1. Perfume two-a-days

This idea came about during a chat in the comments last week with Pamela (hey, Pamela!). I was feeling a little blue that day, and we were talking about the uncertainty surrounding these crazy current events. Something Pamela said stuck with me…

We are all feeling the same lows in one way, shape or form. Just remember, you cannot control everything around you. But you can control how you respond to it. I respond with a spritz of perfume.

So one thing I’ve been doing, and it has helped me feel like I have a little bit of control over life in general, is wearing my perfumes in what I call “perfume two-a-days.”

First thing in the morning after I rinse off after my workout, I spritz one perfume, and then I spritz a different one in the evening after my shower before I go to bed.

Last night’s scent was TOCCA Graciella, and this morning’s was MAC Velvet Teddy Shadescent.

This evening’s will be Dolce by Dolce & Gabbana, me thinks…

2. Nudestix Cream Lip and Cheek Pencil in Mystic

One positive thing about being stuck at home so much is that I’ve been raiding my stash and rediscovering so many good things I used to love (and still do, apparently!), like Nudestix Mystic. This pinkish brownish semi-matte lipstick has pigment for days, and it doubles as a cream blush.

It’s one of those all-around neutrals that goes with everything.

3. Oatmeal raisin cookies with chocolate chips

I’ve never lost my damn mind over or passed out from sheer ecstasy while eating an oatmeal raisin cookie…UNTIL NOW. I’m normally nonchalant about them because oatmeal isn’t high up on my list of favorite things I eagerly expend my calories on (it’s like they’re too healthy or something).

Anyway, I made some at home, and they turned out BOMB. So, my tune has officially changed.

Turns out that oatmeal raisin cookies can actually be REALLY delicious, especially when you make ’em from scratch and add a sh*t ton of chocolate chips.

The main reason I made them is because I was under baking duress, because there’s been a flour shortage here in the area (people have been hoarding it), and I only have one bag of all-purpose flour left in the cupboard. But I was desperate to #stressbake and didn’t want to use too much of flour, so I gave these cookies a try because the recipe requires less than one cup of flour.

oatmeal choc chip raisin — Who wants a snack?

Crazy about ’em!

4. Watering can outdoor activities for kids (and adults!)

If you know someone who needs to keep busy for a while, take that person outdoors and give them a watering can. Then, let them water anything and everything in your yard. THEY WILL FREAKIN’ LOVE IT. I can’t believe I didn’t figure this out until now, but better late than never I guess.

If you can, give them two different watering cans for variety. I did this with Connor this morning, and she had a good ol’ time.

Added bonus: Now El Hub doesn’t have to water the front yard.

5. This choreography video to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September”

Who are these amazing dancers, and why aren’t you and I (virtually) dancing with them right now?

We should be, really, because it looks like so much fun! Side note: The person in the background wearing the leopard shirt and the cutoff black shorts is my new style guru. 😹

What have you been loving lately?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 621

April 6th, 2020 by Karen 36 Comments

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. Lipstick or lipgloss?

Lipstick. 💄 Because I can also use it as cream blush in a pinch.

2. Mascara or brow pencil?

Mascara please.

ALL THE MASCARA.

3. Blush or bronzer?

Blush! It makes a bigger difference for me.

4. Foundation or BB cream?

Foundation. Because I can sheer it out with MAC Strobe Cream if I want to.

5. Matte or dewy?

Dewy.

6. A bright color palette or a neutral palette?

Neturals-4-life, homie!

7. Glam or natural?

Natural glam. LOL. 😁

Have a great day today, and this time I won’t add the ubiquitous “all things considered.” I just really, really hope you have a great day. 🌼 Talk to you soon. 😊

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. Lipstick or lipgloss?
2. Mascara or brow pencil?
3. Blush or bronzer?
4. Foundation or BB cream?
5. Matte or dewy?
6. A bright color palette or a neutral palette?
7. Glam or natural?

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 601

April 5th, 2020 by Karen 5 Comments

You hear a lot about that “it” factor when people describe Hollywood celebrities and entertainers. Like, “Brad Pitt has ‘it,'” a casting agent might say. The superstars all have “it,” whatever it is, and you either have “it” or you don’t.

Tabs had it. In spades. For instance, he never just walked into a room. He sauntered. And he never simply ran places. He pranced, sprang or dashed.

He exuded 24/7 confidence. He had swagger, and it bloomed from his majestic fur like sparkly supermodel magic.

Something about this time of year brought out the best in Tabs, and his “it” factor was at peak power in spring.

I sure miss my guy… I hope he’s doing well up there.

I wonder if he has a nice field of green grass to frolic in. He sure loved to frolic.

[Continue reading…]

Saturday Surfing, April 4, 2020

April 4th, 2020 by Karen 10 Comments

When was the last time you played hopscotch? — because for the life of me I don’t remember it being this cardiovascularly taxing. Yesterday I introduced Connor Claire to this classic playground game, and after I demonstrated a few rounds, I had to stop to take a breather and contemplate my life choices. LOL!

Was it always this hard? 😂

Now that I think about it, I should figure out a way to turn hopscotch into the latest and greatest fitness craze. Hmm…

On to today’s reading. Short and sweet Saturday Surfing today because, apparently, I need to work on my cardio, so I’m off to run a couple miles on the treadmill!

“During a global crisis, it might even feel a bit trivial to pull out your makeup bag and go to town on bronzer. But experts say it can actually make a huge difference in navigating these unpredictable and overwhelming circumstances.” <------ THIS. People are still wearing makeup while social distancing, and I’m all for it.
Like many people around the world right now, freelance makeup artists and hairstylists are feeling the long-term effects of COVID-19 on their finances and business.
El Hub asked me the other day if I could cut his hair, and I was like, “WHA?” I sashayed out the room like I didn’t hear him because I’ve never cut anybody’s hair except my own, which only happened under extreme duress once in the middle of the night with a blunt pair of scissors (needless to say, the situation and outcome weren’t ideal).
Anywho! If he asks again, I might forward him these tips from barbers on how to cut your own hair at home, and these pics of dudes doing it themselves.
Speaking of hair, here’s how to give yours a little extra TLC, in case it needs it right now.
And here’s how to stylishly keep your mane out of your face, according to restaurant workers (all of which I hope will have jobs when this crisis is over).
If I had a gel manicure that needed to be removed right now, I’d be tearing my hair out FOR REALS. If you’re in a bind and need to remove a gel-mani, here’s some expert advice on how to do it at home without totally ruining your nails.
Can cats have nightmares? 🙀 Short answer is yes they can.
According to an animal behavior expert, this is why cats shove their butts in your face. 🐈
The person behind what is regarded as one of the world’s best-smelling lotions shares her favorite scents.

What are you up to today? Did you know it was Saturday when you got up this morning? All of my days are blurring together…

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen